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Honda Hydrogen Vehicle
As the world’s leading engine supplier, Honda has always been at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges, especially in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. With a commitment to sustainability, the company has taken a proactive approach to finding solutions to these pressing issues.
Hydrogen History of Honda
In the second half of the 1980s, Honda recognized the potential of hydrogen energy and began conducting extensive research into fuel cell technology. This investment in R&D paved the way for the development of fuel cell vehicles, positioning Honda as a pioneer in this field. Today, the company is ready to apply its fuel cell technology to a wide range of applications, making a substantial contribution to society’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Honda’s focus on hydrogen fuel cells reflects the company’s determination to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on. Fuel cell vehicles are considered to be one of the most promising technologies for achieving carbon neutrality, as they emit only water vapor and not harmful greenhouse gases. Honda’s fuel cell technology offers a clean and efficient source of energy that can be used in a variety of applications, including cars, buses, and even homes.
Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell system
At the core of Honda’s hydrogen business is its cutting-edge fuel cell system. The company is partnering with General Motors (GM) to develop the next-generation fuel cell system, with a goal to double its durability and reduce its cost by one-third. This is just the beginning, as Honda plans to continue its research and development efforts to further improve the fuel cell system and make it even more accessible to the masses.
Since 2013, Honda and GM have been collaborating on the development of a cutting-edge fuel cell system for the future.
Honda has identified four key areas for the utilization of its fuel cell system, including fuel cell vehicles (FCEV), commercial vehicles, stationary power stations, and construction machinery. The company is actively collaborating with other businesses to bring this technology to the forefront and make a meaningful impact on the environment.
In the commercial vehicle sector, Honda has already begun demonstration tests of fuel cell heavy-duty trucks in collaboration with Isuzu Motors and Dongfeng Motor Group. The company plans to begin external sales of its fuel cell system in the mid-2020s, with a target to increase sales to 60,000 units by 2030 and several hundred thousand units per year by the second half of the 2030s.
Honda’s Vice President Ichinose stated
The hydrogen cycle begins with renewable energy and consists of three phases – generate, store/transport, and use. Electricity derived from renewable energy can be converted into “green hydrogen” using water electrolysis technology. By utilizing this hydrogen, electricity can be stored as hydrogen, and at the same time, be transported by land and sea, and pipeline. By utilizing fuel cell systems, environmentally-responsible electricity can be produced without CO2 emissions.
“Honda has long been conducting research and development of fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen. We began working on the application of fuel cells to passenger vehicles, ahead of other automakers, in the second half of the 1990s, and in 2002 we launched the world’s first FCEV, simultaneously in Japan and the U.S. In 2008, we launched the FCX Clarity sedan. Then, we further downsized our fuel cells, and in 2016, we introduced the Clarity Fuel Cell, which became the world’s first FCEV that realized 5-seat packaging. Next year, in 2024, we plan to launch an all-new FCEV based on the CR-V 5-seater SUV.”
Fuel cell system technology
Honda’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just the use of hydrogen fuel cells. The company is also exploring the use of its hydrogen technologies in space technology, including fuel cell systems and high differential pressure water electrolysis technologies. This further demonstrates Honda’s determination to use its expertise and resources to create a cleaner and greener future.
Future plans of Honda for Hydrogen
In a world where clean energy is king, Honda is at the forefront of the revolution. Building on the successes of their joint development with General Motors, the company is looking ahead to a future where fuel cell technology will be fully integrated into daily life.
With its sights set on the year 2030, Honda has launched a new era of research and development aimed at advancing fuel cell technology to new heights. The goal is to create a fuel cell system that is not only environmentally friendly but also economically accessible. Honda is determined to double the durability of the fuel cell system and reduce its cost by half, bringing it in line with conventional diesel engines.
Honda’s innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability have placed the company at the forefront of the clean energy movement. Their continued efforts to improve fuel cell technology will lead the way toward a cleaner, more efficient future.
Takeaway
Honda’s leadership in fuel cell technology demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a greener future. By investing in R&D and applying its fuel cell technology to a range of applications, Honda is contributing to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. As the world’s largest engine supplier, Honda has the expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact and is well-positioned to play a significant role in shaping a sustainable future.
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