More and more companies are investing in research and development ofhydrogen as an alternative to electric for the propulsion of the engines of their vehicles. AND Honda is no exception. The Tokyo company is ready to present the new prototype fuel cells.
New fuel cells in Honda’s hydrogen strategy
The fuel cells developed by the collaboration of Honda with numerous companies in the sector they aim to further revolutionize the efficiency and durability of FCEV electric and commercial vehicles. These are vehicles, including heavy vehicles and construction machinery, which use hydrogen fuel cells in the engine.
The goal of Hondawhich presents the prototype precisely at European Hydrogen Week taking place in Brussels from 20 to 23 November, is to collaborate with commercial and technological partners to expand the use of this technology, as well as reaching the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Honda plans to begin marketing the new CR-V FCEV model in North America and Japan in 2024 and then gradually begin commercial sales of fuel cell systems by 2025.
Ingo Nyhues, Deputy General Manager European Business Planning & Development at Honda Motor Europe, said: “With over 30 years of experience in the development of hydrogen cells, we are confident that demand for this technology will soon reach the critical mass needed for full deployment. commercial”
“The characteristics of the new generation fuel cell prototype are ideal for meeting the needs of many industrial sectors that are rapidly transitioning towards zero-emission energy sources. Ours is a highly versatile and compact unit, characterized by powerful output, extraordinary durability and fast start-up times, even in low temperature environments”
What are fuel cells and how do they work
Ma what are fuel cells Of Honda e how do they work? The question is more than legitimate, as it is a technology that is mostly still unknown to the public and not used in everyday vehicles. At least for now.
Simplifying the more scientific aspect, the fuel cells they are devices that directly convert the chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy without actual combustion. Everything happens in an extremely efficient and, above all, clean way, as there are no contaminating emissions.
The fuel of the cells in question is usuallyhydrogenbut in some cases natural gas or biogas can also be used.
For them fuel cellsthe majority of which are still under study, are expected to be used in various specific sectors, including the world of cars, commercial and construction.
For the moment, in particular, Honda will invest in the development of solutions fuel cells clean, low noise and low vibration for heavy commercial vehicle applications. The collaboration with Isuzu Motors to test a heavy vehicle with a new generation fuel cell system.
In 2027 they plan to launch a series model on the market using the technology, experience and knowledge that has emerged from their collaboration.
Future developments
Honda is among the leading car manufacturers in automotive research FCEV vehicles and on hydrogen technologies, which it has been pursuing for over thirty years. The first FCEV vehicle it was the Honda FCX, introduced in 2002 and on sale in the United States and Japan.
The last big step forward dates back to 2016, when the Clarity Fuel Cell – a five-seater sedan with combustion cells – was able to offer the same performance as conventional vehicles.
Now the Tokyo company is moving to expand the research by also involving other countries. In Europe, Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) has set up a production plant of green hydrogen at its headquarters in Offenbach, Germany, to broaden the scope of application in the energy management sector.
This is to exploit photovoltaic systems and produce green hydrogen through electrolysis. There are therefore many ways to see it applied more and more widely Honda the hydrogen combustion cells and all that remains is to wait for the arrival of the new prototype presented at European Hydrogen Week for further developments.