How the Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Works

2013 Honda FCX Clarity Electric

We’re living in an age where alternatives to fossil fuels are becoming harder to come by because we’re using them up, political unrest makes them more difficult to obtain, and increasing concerns over the impact of carbon fuels on the environment are driving up the price of gas at the fuel tank. Fisher Honda, your local Boulder, CO car dealership, is proud to report that Honda is leading the way with a number of advanced technologies set on reducing or fully eliminating the need for fossil fuels in automobiles. At the forefront of that charge is Honda’s innovative FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell concept model that has now become available for limited release in the United States and around the world. Running completely on electricity, this powertrain eliminates the need for fossil fuels and gets a dependable 134 hp and 189 lb-ft of torque. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

The Hydrogen Tank – The compressed hydrogen tank of the FCX Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) stores hydrogen for the creation of electricity. The design of these tanks takes up less space and has more fuel capacity.

V Flow Fuel Cell Stack – The FC Stack generates the electricity that powers the FCX. It’s smaller and more powerful than previous generations, leading to substantial improvements in performance.

Lithium-Ion Battery – Housed smartly under the rear seat, the lithium-ion battery is in charge of harboring the electricity needed from the fuel cell stack to power the car.

Power Drive Unit – The PDU is in charge of managing the flow of electricity between the components.

Electric Drive Motor – In charge of propelling the vehicle, the electric drive motor is notable for its smooth ride, efficiency, and the fact that it creates virtually no sound whatsoever. It’s like gliding on air.

Where to Get the Honda FCX

For the moment, the FCX is only available to drivers in Southern California, where the necessary hydrogen fuel station infrastructure is already in place. As the prices continue to go down and the manifold benefits become more pronounced, expect the spread of cars like the FCX to increase in speed.

In the meantime, Honda is hard at work offering models that feature “green” innovation at affordable price tags, highlighted by the Honda Civic Hybrid which gets an EPA estimated 44 mpg* for both city and highway driving. Stop by Fisher Honda in Boulder to learn more about buying or leasing the right fuel-efficient model for you!

*Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.