A year ago this month, Honda unveiled its hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCEV Concept. The car represents the basic platform upon which the successor to the automaker's currently-available (but limited-production) FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will be based. Yesterday in Japan, Honda revealed a refined version of the FCEV, in the form of the FCV Concept.
Like the FCEV, the FCV offers some major improvements over the FCX. These include a 33 percent smaller fuel cell stack that has an output of over 100 kW (134 hp) and output density of up to 3.1 kW/L – 60 percent better than the FCX's fuel cell. Additionally, its entire powertrain is located under the hood/bonnet, allowing for a roomier cabin that can seat five passengers as opposed to the FCX's four.
While the FCEV can reportedly travel over 300 miles (483 km) per three-minute fueling, however, the FCV can manage 435 (700 km). Additionally, using the prototype Honda Power Exporter (pictured below), the FCV can supply electricity from its fuel cell in the event of outages.
The production vehicle based on the FCEV/FCV is scheduled to be commercially available in Japan as of March 2016, followed by a rollout in the US and Europe.
Source: Honda
