Honda and Toyota FCV World Debuts with Headwinds

GM and Honda’s First Joint FC System Manufacturing Operation in Michigan

Current and future FC technology will be applied to each company's future FCVs.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Jan. 30, 2016

Earlier today GM and Honda announced establishment of the auto industry's first manufacturing joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell (FC) system that will be used in future products from each company.

Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC will operate within GM's existing battery pack manufacturing facility site in Brownstown, Michigan, south of Detroit. Mass production of fuel cell systems is expected to begin around 2020 and create nearly 100 new jobs. The companies are making equal investments totaling $85 million in the joint venture.

Honda and GM have been working together through a master collaboration agreement announced in July 2013. It established the co-development arrangement for a next-generation fuel cell system and H2 storage technologies. The companies integrated their development teams and shared H2 FC intellectual property to create a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems.

The Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) joint venture will be operated by a board of directors consisting of three executives from each company that will include a rotating chairperson. In addition, a president will be appointed to rotate between each company.

GM and Honda are acknowledged leaders in FC technology with more than 2,220 patents between them, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index. GM and Honda rank No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, in total FC patents filed in 2002 through 2015.

Fuel cell technology addresses many of the major challenges facing automobiles today: Petroleum dependency, emissions, efficiency, range and refueling times. Fuel cell vehicles can operate on hydrogen made from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Water vapor is the only emission from fuel cell vehicles.

In addition to advancing the performance of the fuel cell system, GM and Honda are working together to reduce the cost of development and manufacturing through economies of scale and common sourcing. The two companies also continue to work with governments and other stakeholders to further advance the refueling infrastructure that is critical for the long-term viability and consumer acceptance of FC vehicles.

GM is currently demonstrating the capability of FCs across a range of land, sea and air applications. The company has accumulated millions of miles of real-world driving in fuel cell vehicles.

A GM spokesman stated the next-generation GM/Honda FC system will making a dramatic step toward lower cost, higher-volume FC systems. Precious metals have been reduced dramatically and a fully cross-functional team is developing advanced manufacturing processes simultaneously with advances in the design.

Honda began delivery of its all-new Clarity FCV to U.S. customers in December 2016 following a spring 2016 launch in Japan. The Clarity FCV received the best driving range rating from the EPA of any electric vehicle without a combustion engine with a range rating of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent combined.

 

Honda Looks to Tomorrow with 2017 Clarity FCV Marketing Campaign

Cute but…

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Feb. 10, 2016

Inspired by Honda's "Blue Skies for Our Children" environmental vision, the "Thinking About Tomorrow" TV advert.

Honda is introducing the all-new, five-passenger 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell with a multi-channel marketing campaign, "Always Thinking About Tomorrow," focused on taking FC technology mainstream by educating consumers about the advantages of Honda's all-new fuel cell vehicle as an everyday drivable sedan that uses H2 as a fuel source.

The campaign is inspired by Honda's global environmental slogan "Blue Skies for Our Children," which began more than 40 years ago, continues to encourage Honda to advance sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions in its products and manufacturing operations.

Clarity Fuel Cell TV Spot and Video Series

The new Clarity Fuel Cell campaign is headlined by a :60 spot titled "Thinking About Tomorrow" highlighting hydrogen as the fuel that powers the Clarity Fuel Cell and its only emission is pure water. The voices of children singing serve as the soundtrack communicating Honda is creating vehicles today that will have an impact on future generations. The theme of "Blue Skies for Our Children" resonates throughout the spot and the entire integrated campaign, with the TV creative brought to life by PES, the Academy Award® nominated stop-motion artist behind Honda's popular "Paper" and "The Power of Ridgeline" ads. This campaign represents a departure for PES, moving away from stop-motion into live action and digital-effects production. The children who make up a choir of singing hydrogen molecules were filmed individually with intricately choreographed motion-control cameras and orbiting spotlights. These scenes were then digitally composited with special effects to create a musical atomic galaxy.

The :60 spot also drives viewers to five edu-tainment videos that educate and entertain consumers about the benefits of hydrogen and the Clarity Fuel Cell. The videos will be featured on YouTube, as well as the Honda Clarity Facebook page, and Honda's Twitter and Google+ pages.

Clarity Fuel Cell Campaign

The "Always Thinking About Tomorrow" Clarity Fuel Cell debuts today on Honda social channels as well throughout Honda's digital advertising and will make its TV premiere during the broadcast of the Academy Awards, February 26, 2017 in the Los Angeles market. In addition, :30 and :60 "Thinking About Tomorrow" spots will air across local TV in top California markets, where the Clarity Fuel Cell is available (Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento).

To build greater awareness of the Clarity Fuel Cell and H2 dispensers, a dedicated :30 spot will be displayed on video screens above conventional gasoline fuel pumps at select gas stations in LA that also house hydrogen fuel pumps.

The Clarity FC campaign will include California- targeted homepage takeovers on Business Insider, CNN, Slate, Digital Trends and more. Large-scale outdoor billboards will boost visibility within select major urban markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento. The outdoor billboards will be placed in close proximity to Honda's 12 authorized fuel cell dealerships. To extend the campaign's presence, print ads will be featured in magazines.

I have a request in for a Clarity. We shall see.

 

Hi All:

At this year’s Geneva, Switzerland Auto Show, Hyundai revealed its next gen Fuel Cell (FCV) FE Concept pointing towards a future zero-emission Hydrogen fueled society.

From the release, Hyundai stated they recently joined the Hydrogen Council that promotes the development and commercialization of FCV as an alternative to fossil fuel fueled vehicles.

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The FE Fuel Cell Concept continues Hyundai’s commitment to FCV development and is just one part of the company’s eco-vehicle program that will see 14 or more new environmentally-focused models introduced by 2020.

The FE Fuel Cell Concept’s design was inspired by water flow. The FE Concept features a stylish rear air foil and integrated vents that provide passive aerodynamic efficiency.

The concept’s name ‘FE’ stands for Future Eco. Like all concepts, it is PR loaded including an internal air humidifier, which recycles water emitted by the car’s clean hydrogen energy circulation to create a more comfortable cabin environment. Ok, maybe in the winter?

The FE Concepts FC stack is 30 percent more power dense, 20 percent lighter, and 10 percent more efficient compared to the current Tucson ix35 FCV. Together the new FCV is expected to run 480 miles on the European test cycles or about 350 miles on our own EPA. A WAG on my part here and it is only an early concept.

The FE Concept features portable battery packs – charged by the car’s energy output – to power passenger devices. I am not exactly sure what that is all about? A 120V inverter off a small removable pack maybe?

Elements of the FE Fuel Cell Concept is a hint of an SUV FCV set for launch in 2018 with ‘Hyundai Smart Sense’ driver assistance technologies.

Wayne

 

GM and Honda Executives Collaborating for Fuel Cell System Manufacturing

The GM and Honda announced their executive structure for their recently established joint venture company, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC (FCSM).

Suheb Haq of GM will serve as the first president of FCSM, and Tomomi Kosaka of Honda will be the new company’s VP. Haq and Kosaka will be responsible for operations, overseeing the start-up of the JV and ongoing manufacturing operations. GM and Honda plan to rotate the positions of president and vice president every two years.

Haq most recently was director of GM Operational Excellence. Kosaka was president & CEO of Honda of America Mfg., Inc., responsible for manufacturing operations of three auto plants and an engine plant in Ohio.

Further, FCSM will include a board of directors consisting of three executives from each company that will include a rotating chairperson.

Representing Honda on the FCSM board of directors are:

• Takashi Sekiguchi, Managing Officer and Director/COO, Automobile Ops, Honda Motor Co.
• Mitsugu Matsukawa, OO/COO, IT Operations/ Head of Prod. Planning, Prod Ops, Honda Motor Co.
• Rick Schostek, Exec VP, Honda North America

Sekiguchi will serve as the first chairperson of the FCSM board of directors.

Representing GM on the FCSM board of directors are:

• Charles Freese, Exec Dir, Global Fuel Cell Business
• David Maday, Exec Dir, Corporate Development
• Robert Portugaise, Exec Dir, Manufacturing Engineering

FCSM was established with equal investments from Honda and GM totaling $85 million, creating the auto industry's first manufacturing joint venture to mass-produce an advanced hydrogen FC system that will be used in future products from each company. FCSM will operate within GM's existing battery pack manufacturing facility site in Brownstown, Michigan, south of Detroit. Mass production of fuel cell systems is expected to begin around 2020 and create up to 100 new jobs.

Honda and GM established a master collaboration agreement that was announced in July 2013. It established the co-development arrangement for a next-generation FC system and H2 storage technologies. The companies integrated their development teams and shared hydrogen fuel cell intellectual property to create a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems.

 

Toyota Debuts Purifying Eco-Billboard in the U.S.

Toyota Mirai fuel cell car’s latest campaign is now being highlighted with eco-billboard technology that will help Californians breathe even easier.

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The Toyota Mirai eco-billboard campaign, in coordination with Clear Channel Outdoor Americas, will help clear the air from April 3rd through May 28th. Thirty-seven billboards in Los Angeles and San Francisco will create 24,960 square feet of pollution scrubbing surface and reverse the equivalent of 5,285 vehicles worth of nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions per month. NOx is a key ingredient in acid rain and smog.

This “catalytic converter” of billboards uses a titanium dioxide coated vinyl to purify the surrounding air. When oxygen reacts with the energized titanium dioxide catalyst, NOx is converted to nitrate and removed from the air. The light-activated, smog-reducing billboards continue to purify the air as long as light, humidity, airflow and the titanium dioxide coating are present.

PURETi Group, LLC, developed the titanium dioxide coating technology used on the eco-billboards, and Clear Channel Outdoor Americas has exclusive usage rights in the outdoor advertising category.

Toyota highlighted the eco-billboard campaign during the first Environmental Media Association Impact Summit in Beverly Hills, Calif. A Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, wrapped with the titanium dioxide coated vinyl, purified the air as guests entered the event.

 

Hi All:

It is 01:55 am on Monday morning and I just completed the steady states in the 76/76/76 MPGe city/highway/combined rated 2016 Toyota Mirai. Although I have not graphed the speed vs FE and calculated an EPA HIghway crossover, I can tell you the EPA Highway crossover is less than 60 mph indicating a cooked result. A disappointing result last night and this morning from Toyota's most advanced drivetrain to put it lightly. More to come tomorrow.

Wayne

 

2016 Toyota Mirai First Drive

I have driven the previous gen Clarity at just under 100 MPGe for a few miles around the LA Convention center a few years back but other than that, I am all talk.

That changed last week with Toyota allowing me to take out their FCV in the form of the 2016 Mirai for a week.

2016 Toyota Mirai

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With an MSRP $57,500 plus an $865 destination fee, owners may qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit, $5,000 potential California rebate, and $7,500 Toyota cash on the hood, plus California's HOV carpool lane. The 4-seat compact comes to $58,365 + $4,377 (7.5 percent calif state sales tax) = $62,475 USD minus $20,500 in deals for a grand total of $41,975. Fortunately Toyota is providing a $15,000 USD fuel allowance over 3-years so at least for the first 3 years you are clear of the fuel burden and either 0% for 60 months or 1.9% for 72 months.

On the lease side, Toyota is offering the Mirai for $349/month w/ $2,499 at lease signing with a 12,000/year mileage allowance. The $15k, 3-year fuel allowance is also included.

With a preview at the beginning of this thread and latest pricing above, I will try and keep the rehashed detail to a minimum and only supply impressions.

The exterior is definitely polarizing. Along with the nurture double takes while on the road, as soon as I pulled up, my neighbor ran out to ask about it. He liked it for its unique look. Most in my family however had a more negative judgement.

I love Toyota proximity key system in the Mirai as you just place your hand in the handle and the door - or doors depending on how you set it up – opens. I also liked its standard power folding mirrors that allow it to fold the mirrors when you shut down the car. The std. auto high beam LEDs also worked excellent.

The Radar Cruise Control (RCC) was also a highlight from our first drive in the Prius Prime with its standard RCC system, the Mirai is one of the softest accelerating at speed. My two complaints is it only works above 20 mph so is useless in a stop and crawl and it only looks about 15 degrees off each front corner so mergers in a mid-speed stop and crawl will cause it to stumble and you have to take manual action.

The ride and handling is a bit soft and sloppy despite the independent double wishbone rear end. It feels a lot like the long ago defunct Lexus HS 250h but with a 3” longer wheelbase and much heavier feel.

On a more positive note, it is quiet. The H2 FCV drivetrain is an electric drivetrain so there is the common muted electric whine during slowdown to a stop but above 15 mph, it is buried by wind noise as speeds pick up. There is a warbling blender like sound that I will assume is the air pump and a steadier but louder rumble like sound that is possibly the H2 injector flow when the H2 injectors go online. It disappears when the Mirai goes into Hybrid electric mode and the injectors are closed. Both are minor and disappear as speed increases above let’s say 40 mph. It is a lot different but very quiet for what that is worth.

2017 Toyota Mirai Drivetrain


The portion under the hood and beneath the cowling.​

With (2) carbon fiber tanks and a 5 kg total cap, its rated range of 312 miles appears solid for city driver given the Hybrid drivetrain taking on much of the work load. Out on the highway however, the Speed vs. FE graph below speaks volumes. While it is rated at 67/67 MPGe city/highway, it is definitely more efficient around town or at speeds below 30 than those above 60 for sure.

The 0.29 Cd is not outstanding but does keep wind noise down to a minimum. Despite the Mirai’s 4,078.5 lb. curb weight, Toyota says it has a 0 to 60 time and top speed of 9 sec. and 111 mph respectively. It can also successfully start at temps down to – 22 degrees F. The water trail behind is noticeable when you park.

2017 Toyota Mirai Interior

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Moving inside, remember that this is a four seater compact and not a very large one at that. A sunglass holder is included as is a pretty slick frameless mirror with three integrated garage door openers. Softex – Toyota’s synthetic leather – is standard and the wheel is so covered. I love this softly padded material although the padding beneath the door armrests and center console could be a bit thicker. Heated front seats and wheel is a nice addition for colder climates although this is a Calif. only car. I wish it had ventilated seats as well but that is not available.

The capacitive touch screen ventilation controls suck. I despise them on all cars that are supposed to be futuristic. Having to either mess with menus or slide along an edge is distracting. Bring back the HVAC control knobs.

The headliner is better than mouse fir on egg cartons like something you would see in the Yaris but it is similar. I would hope it was a higher quality cloth weave like you would see in a Camry given the price. The two color plastic A-pillar trim looks good but is still plastic. The dash material is not really soft touch plastic but a colored harder plastic. The chrome trim joining on the passenger side looks futuristic.

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The Qi charger “inside” the central console worked much better than past Toyota’s and I had no problem dropping the Galaxy S5 in and it began inductive charging just 10 to 15 seconds later. Because it is the central console, there was no space underneath to store anything and with a small glovebox, it could use more up front. At the same time, the fixed rear center console provides a lot of volume for storage but takes away the middle seat. A trade-off I wish Toyota did not make. And Toyota's sunvisors again. It did have a small extension that helped but...

It does arrive with a powered tilt and telescopic wheel. Overall it consists of mix and match list of higher end luxury features but done on the cheap.

2017 Toyota Mirai



Front and rear seat room.​

My knees impinged deeply on the rear seatback when the front seat was setup for me, head touched the rear seat headliner.

Although Toyota does not supply any interior passenger or cargo volume, I would guess it has about 90 cu. ft. of passenger volume and maybe 10 cu. ft. of cargo volume. The trunk has to hold a portion of the H2 storage tank and system.

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Toyota Mirai Safety

The Mirai like all Toyota’s arrives with the Star Safety System including VSC, TC, ABS, EBFD, and Brake Assist (BA). On the passive front, front, side and side curtains plus a driver’s side knee and front passenger positioning seat cushion air-bag is standard.

It also includes standard a Pre-collision system providing an audible and display warning alerting you of a possible collision ahead. When you depress the brake pedal after an alert, PCS powerfully assists braking power. Even if you don’t react, automatic braking and collision-avoidance support will help prevent a collision.

Lane Departure Alert is also standard with an audible and display warning but no assist to bring you back to center.

In addition, BSM with RCTA is also standard. There are a lot of boxes checked here other than a Lane Keep Assist to bring it back to center.

Toyota Mirai Efficiency

The 76/76/76 MPGeUS city/highway/combined rated 2016 Mirai FCV provides caveats and asterisks.

Torrance Calif. Shell H2 Refueling Station Dismantling

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To begin, the Torrance, Calif. H2 station just outside Toyota’s former NA HQ was closed. My next bet was the University of Calif. at Irvine station about half way back to Carlsbad. It can only handle about 10 FCVs/day and pricing is $14.95/kg. Most H2 stations are at this price and doing the math at 76 MPGe (1 kg approximately = to 1 gallon of gasoline), an EPA driver is paying about $0.196/mile in fuel alone. At $3.00 per gallon gasoline, this is equivalent to receiving about 15 mpg on a cost basis. A 15 mpg compact car.

With the lack of H2 refueling stations, I did not get to complete a calibration if the pumps read out in kg filled in the first place. I really wanted to get this first H2 fueling under my belt too.

Toyota Mirai hits the road

Non-calibrated 101.5 MPGe after 82.8 actual miles.​

For the steady states, there was no calibration offset. The drive was undertaken just after midnight this past Sunday with temperatures ranging from 58 to 60 degrees F and winds calm.

The indicated speeds at 50 and 55 mph actual per the Garmin were 1.5 long meaning. 51.5 and 56.5 indicated was need to travel at 50 and 55 mph. For 60, 65 and 70 mph, the speedo was 2 mph long. Meaning 62, 67, and 72 mph were needed to drive at 60, 65 and 70 mph.

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The EPA highway (76 MPGe) crossover came in at just 50.84 mph. This is the lowest EPA highway crossover we have ever experienced and a great disappointment given the great results we have experienced across the rest of the Toyota lineup. I had an inclination of this when I picked up the car and saw just 51 MPGe and 50 MPGe over 600 and 1,100 miles of previous journalist’s drives respectively. This is an ugly number and anyone owning one is going to have a very hard time of reaching the EPA ratings let alone minimal refueling stations and the high price for H2 unless covered under the free fuel deal. If one were to purchase a Mirai outright and qualify for all the deals, its resale is essentially 0 after the third year since fuel costs will make it undrivable.

Tomorrow may be the FCVs future but today, upfront pricing needs to be cut in half, H2 refueling costs need to fall by 2/3s, and H2 refueling availability needs to become much more widely available for an FCV to make sense.

2016 Toyota Mirai final drive


Mirai's at Toyota's former NA HQ. Less traffic on the pre-rush late afternoon drive from Carlsbad to Toyota's former NA HQ in Torrance, Calif. provide a decent result.​

All in, the Toyota Mirai points to a future of fast refueling in an efficient platform but only after vehicle and fuel price falls significantly.

Wayne

 

Hyundai Tucson FCV Accumulates More Than Two Million Zero-Emission Miles

In celebration of this year’s Earth Day, the Hyundai Tucson FC has surpassed an important threshold, accumulating more than two million road miles in Southern and Northern California. These FCVs have emitted only water vapor, while replacing approximately 760 tons of CO2 emissions that would have been emitted by vehicles of similar size and capability. Hyundai has delivered more than 140 Tucson FCVs since its introduction as the first mass-produced FCV in the U.S. market back in 2014.

2015 Hyundai Tucson FCV

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Mike O’Brien, VP Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America:

Hyundai engineers, with permission from vehicle owners, receive periodic mileage updates from Tucson FCVs in Southern California, allowing them to calculate cumulative mileage totals as needed to assess fuel cell stack maintenance status.

The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell CUV has a number of advantages over other alternative fuels. Hydrogen fuel provides an estimated driving range of 265 miles between fill-ups, close to some gasoline vehicles. Further, both fuel cell driving range and vehicle performance are minimally affected by extreme hot or cold temperatures, giving owners an extra measure of peace of mind as they go about their day. Even more important for consumers transitioning from gasoline vehicles, the Tucson FCV can be refilled with H2 in less than five minutes, about the same time as a typical gasoline vehicle. Finally, FCVs, due to their compact, relatively lightweight fuel cell stack design, are completely production scalable from very small to very large vehicles, such as urban-focused mini-compact cars all the way to full-size buses and trucks.

 

11 Japanese Companies Collaborate on Large-scale Construction of H2 Stations

Toyota, Nissan, Honda, JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy, Idemitsu Kosan, Iwatani Corporation, Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas, Air Liquide Japan, Toyota Tsush and Development Bank of Japan have all signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration toward the large-scale construction of H2 stations for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

The memorandum of understanding is aimed at achieving a faster roll out of H2 stations in the current early stage of FCV commercialization using an “all Japan" approach centered on collaboration among the 11 companies. It stems from the Japanese government's "Strategic Roadmap for H2 and Fuel Cells" (revised on March 22, 2016), which targets a total of 160 operational H2 stations and 40,000 in-use FCVs by fiscal 2020.

Recognizing the challenges facing the H2 station business in early-stage commercialization of FCVs, the memorandum of understanding is based on the idea that the companies concerned should cooperate and fulfill their respective roles to achieve the strategic development of hydrogen stations for maximizing FCV demand and to contribute to the steady popularization of FCVs.

As a specific form of cooperation, the 11 companies will consider establishing a new company within 2017. The new company would aim to:

1. Achieve steady construction of hydrogen stations by implementing measures to support hydrogen-station construction and operation
   
   
2. Achieve wider use of FCVs and the independence of the hydrogen station business through activities for reducing costs, including governmental review of regulations, and activities for improving operational efficiencies, thus contributing to the realization of a hydrogen society in Japan

The 11 companies will consider ways for broad participation by other companies in the future and will disseminate information appropriately.

 

Hi All:

Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC, the joint venture company established by GM and Honda for the production of advanced H2 fuel cell systems, revealed its company logo.

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Announced in late January, FCSM is the auto industry's first joint venture formed to mass-produce H2 fuel cell systems. Production is expected to begin around 2020 with the output shared by Honda and GM, which will then use the systems in their respective products. The plant, located in the same facility as GM's battery pack manufacturing operation, is expected to create about 100 new jobs by the time it reaches full operation.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The 2018 Tucson Fuel Cell is not coming, but an extended 2017 model year will carry on. Its days are numbered...

2017 Hyundai Tucson FCV

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Wayne

 

Hyundai’s Next Gen FCV

Will H2 fuel costs, H2 fuel availability, and upfront FCV pricing inhibitors finally be placed in the rear view?

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 17, 2017

Hyundai’s next generation H2 vehicle with the brands latest fuel cell tech offering more range, higher performance, improved durability, and even better cold start capability.

Hyundai’s introduced their next gen FCV, well ahead of the H2-powered CUV’s official launch early next year. The near-production-ready CUV exhibited reveals a hint at Hyundai’s continuously evolving fluidic-sculpture design.

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4th Gen FC

The new CUV includes Hyundai’s second commercially produced H2 fueled model and uses the company’s fourth generation H2 fuel cell technology. The vehicle, its capabilities and fuel cell technologies are an evolution of Hyundai’s global R&D and real-world evaluation programs.

The new fuel cell model was developed with a focus on fuel cell system efficiency, performance (maximum output), durability, and tank storage density.

Efficiency: By enhancing fuel cell performance, reducing hydrogen consumption, and optimizing key components, the vehicle’s efficiency is greatly improved compared to the current Tucson Fuel Cell. The new SUV boasts an efficiency level of 60 percent, or a 9 percent higher from Tucson FCVs 55.3 percent. With higher system efficiency, the new model targets a driving range of more than 360 miles on a single charge (based on Korean testing standards). The current Tucson FCVs EPA range of 265 miles indicates the new CUV should come in with an approximate 289 miles range? That is if the advanced tanks have the same actual storage capacity.

Performance (maximum output): The new model’s maximum output is upped by 20 percent compared to its predecessor, with a 161 hp output. The fuel cell CUV also improves the car’s cold start capability which can be started at minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit. The new MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and bipolar plates also reduce production costs.

Durability: By employing highly durable catalyst technology, the new hydrogen-powered SUV ensures even greater longevity than its predecessor.

Hydrogen storage: The next generation hydrogen vehicle makes significant improvements in tank storage density. The tank package now features three equally-sized tanks, as opposed to two of different sizes. World-class tank gravimetric capacity (hydrogen storage mass per tank weight) was achieved through innovations to the plastic liner configuration and efficient layering pattern, which resulted in a reduction of thickness.

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The mass-produced new vehicle will also feature advanced driver assistance technologies, alongside its extensive hydrogen-powered range. The details of the new ADAS features will be disclosed in January at the 2018 CES, along with the official model name.

Futuristic design

The new FCV inherits design features from the FE Concept, which was introduced at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show. The new model builds on the earlier concept’s design, taking an organic and flowing form, inspired by nature – namely water, the car’s only emission – with the clean design emphasizing its non-polluting nature.

A number of design elements highlight the model’s technical maturity and cutting-edge technology. The simple full width position lamps create a futuristic effect that again reflects nature, representing the edge of the horizon.

The high-tech look is augmented by low-drag elements that accentuate the clean and calm design. The door handles sit flush to the car, while the air curtain – in conjunction with the air tunnel inside the D-pillar – maximizes aerodynamic efficiency. The CUV’s wheel design aims to capture both captivating style and optimized low drag airflow with a specialized two-piece construction.

The clean and simple interior layout intuitively integrates high-tech elements, to avoid clutter and emphasize a calming presence. The wide dashboard with its high console reinforces the superior SUV-style driving position and incorporates the ergonomically-designed intuitive controls and AV display screen.

Reflecting the exterior design, the interior features subdued yet sophisticated colors inspired by nature. The understated tones help create an ultramodern environment, complemented by industry leading bio-materials with eco-friendly certification. Completing the futuristic finish is a unique blend of woven fabric and suede used for accents in the seat design.

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New Eco-vehicle Development Roadmap

The new model will spearhead Hyundai’s plans to accelerate development of low emission vehicles, in line with Hyundai’s renewed goal of introducing 31 eco-friendly models (Hyundai and Kia combined) to global markets by 2020. This new development roadmap also represents the next step for Hyundai Motor and its affiliate toward realizing the ultimate ambition of creating a cleaner environment through eco-friendly vehicles.

Hyundai plans to take a multi-pronged approach to its eco-vehicle program. The company is committed to a future vehicle line-up comprising a variety of powertrain options – electric, hybrid and fuel cell – to suit customers’ varied lifestyles.

Spurred on by greater global demand for fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles, the roadmap sets out the brand’s goal of leading the global popularization of hybrid vehicles, expanding its lineup to SUVs and large vehicles. Another part of the plan is the development of 4WD and FR (Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive) variants, building on its proprietary Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) system, which was developed in 2011.

While Hyundai continues to develop its leadership of the electric vehicle market with its current IONIQ model, the company also aims to establish a lineup ranging from small EVs to large and luxurious Genesis-brand models. Hyundai Motor’s electric vehicle development will take place in multiple phases:

• Launch of EV version of the Kona compact SUV, with range of 242 miles in first half of 2018
• Launch of Genesis EV model in 2021
• Launch of long-range EV, with 310 mile range after 2021

Hyundai Motor will also develop its first dedicated architecture for pure EVs, which will allow the company to produce multiple models with longer driving ranges.

Hyundai Motor will unveil a new H2-fueled bus in the fourth quarter of this year.

 

Shell, Honda, and Toyota to Bring Seven New H2 Refueling Stations to California

The California Energy Commission (Energy Commission) awarded a grant of $16,362,500 to Equilon Enterprises, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, for the introduction of seven hydrogen refueling stations in Northern California.

Sorry, it is the best shot I have! ​

The H2 refueling stations will be built in collaboration with Honda and Toyota, who will provide financial support, at seven Shell-branded retail stations across Northern California: three in the city of San Francisco, and one in each of Berkeley, Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Walnut Creek.

The Energy Commission awarded the grant through its Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP), which invests up to $100 million every year to support innovations in transportation and fuel technologies that help California meet its energy, clean air, and climate change goals.

The H2 refueling stations will be installed in strategic locations within the existing network of Shell-branded retail stations, offering existing and future FCV drivers high-quality service with simple and straightforward car refueling in minutes.

 

National H2 and Fuel Cell Day: Honda Investment in H2 FCV Tech and Infrastructure Continues

On October 8, Honda is joining the nation in celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day to raise awareness of fuel cell and H2 technologies that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the nation's energy security. The date is a reference to hydrogen's atomic weight of 1.008.

Honda is a leader in the development and deployment of advanced fuel cell vehicle technologies and today has more than 450 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles in the hands of customers. The company aims to have two-thirds of its global vehicle sales comprised of electrified vehicles, including FCs, PHEVs, HEVs, and BEVs, by 2030.

2017 Honda Clarity FCV

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Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Honda views fuel cells as the ultimate zero-emissions vehicle technology. With a 366 mile range, the Clarity Fuel Cell has the highest EPA driving range rating of any zero-emission vehicle in America, including FC and BEVs, and an EPA fuel economy rating of 68 MPGe combined. The Clarity Fuel Cell is available for the competitive introductory lease price of $369 a month for 36 months with $2,868 due at signing. The lease terms include an attractive mileage allowance of 20,000 miles per year, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel, up to 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California and 24/7 roadside assistance. The Clarity FC is eligible for California "White Sticker" single occupant HOV access and lessees can also apply for the State of California $5,000 rebate.

Honda has deployed fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., Germany and Japan. Honda has delivered these vehicles to individual retail consumers in the U.S. since 2005, and collected valuable feedback concerning real-world use of both fuel cell vehicles and public hydrogen refueling stations.

Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle Firsts

• First EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle (July 2002)
• World's first production fuel cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan (December 2002)
• First fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003)
• First fuel cell vehicle leased to an individual retail consumer (July 2005)
• First OEM to build and produce a dedicated FCV (FCX Clarity) on a production line specifically made for FCVs (2008)
• First manufacturer to create a fuel cell vehicle dealer network (2008)

H2 Infrastructure Investments

Honda is participating in multiple ventures to grow a consumer network of H2 stations. This includes a nearly $14 million investment with FirstElement Fuel to create 12 stations in the LA and San Francisco metro areas. Recently Honda announced with Shell and Toyota (see above) the introduction of 7 new H2 refueling stations in Northern California, working toward the state's goal of 100 stations that leverages a grant from the California Energy Commission.

Honda is also active in associations like the Hydrogen Council, Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, California Fuel Cell Partnership and H2 USA that share the same vision and goals to create the conditions necessary for hydrogen-powered mobility and the hydrogen economy to thrive and grow.

Honda and the Environment

"Blue Skies for our Children" - Honda is targeting a 50% reduction in its total company CO2 emissions on a global basis by 2050, compared to 2000 levels. The company also is striving to realize significant growth in sales of electrified vehicles, which includes the introduction of the Honda Clarity series of vehicles, which began with the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle, launched in 2016, followed by the new Clarity Electric, launched in August 2017, and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, coming in 2017.

Honda is endeavoring to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout their life cycles, including the reduction of energy use and emissions from its production, distribution and sales. This includes the Honda Environmental Leadership Award Program, through which more than 150 U.S. Honda and Acura dealers have reduced CO2 emissions by more than 34,000 metric tons.