This article reviews the development of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) at Japanese car manufacturer Honda. Active development began in the mid 1990s and vehicles have received approval for sale in the USA and Japan. Fuel cells currently in development are polymer electrolyte fuel cells which use the energy released when hydrogen and oxygen are combined in a reaction generating water. The technology of hydrogen manufacture and storage has developed, evolving more compact methods of fuel storage to allow normal passenger and luggage capacity, and providing acceptable power performance and efficiency in comparisons made with conventional vehicles. Safety is assured by isolating the fuel storage and providing sensors. Future developments include weight reduction and further fuelling infrastructure issues.
Samenvatting