FCX Clarity – Full Hydrogen Wonder – Update
Honda has announced that their full-electric FCX hydrogen vehicle is now on limited release in California since last year. One of the first assembly line made Hydrogen powered cars, it is on the road for customer assessment and testing purposes so they can meet their commitment to fully offer it by 2010. The car is not a hybrid but a full Hydrogen powered electric car that incorporates some of the latest technology in alternative energy. The small footprint of the FCX Clarity makes it stand out being a production grade vehicle, it incorporates all the amenities of a gas powered vehicle. It also incorporates Honda’s proprietary Collision Mitigation Braking System(CMBS) that alerts the driver of potential braking hazards using lights, audible and mechanical alerts (seat belt tugging technology) allowing him to take appropriate action. The safety aspect is also perfect with regards to collision and the fact that the fuel it carries (compressed hydrogen) is highly explosive, with sensors and automatic cut-off valves for fuel and circuit breakers for the electrical power for increased safety.
The car is part of Honda’s approach towards a Hydrogen-Fuel Based society, having been involved in the Home Energy Station project. The system uses natural gas to produce hydrogen to power the home and vehicle thus eliminating the need for power off the grid.