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January 9, 2006
Honda Promises
For me, the real big announcement at this years NAIAS is the promise Honda made. Their FCX Fuel Cell concept will be production ready in 3 - 4 years.
In the last 5 years, engineers have had to cope with obstacles such as cold starting, mileage and range equal to that of today's petrol based vehicles. Honda has said they've moved beyond that stage and since 2000 have concentrated on the other half of the equation; infrastructure.
Fuel Cell infrastructure cannot simply be something handed off to the government in hopes of fueling stations magically popping up all over the country. It is PAINFULLY obvious much of government is too tied up in said-be alliances with the major oil companies. Honda believes it is up to the auto industry to come up with a solution to help push in the era of fuel cells. They've come up with the home energy station that can be installed in an industrial environment like future gas stations or in private residences. In a private setting the energy station could provide enough power to give the FCX a 350 mile range POLLUTION FREE.
If Honda adheres to its words, then in 4 years time, we will really begin to see the first of a new age where technology forces governments and companies to finally face the music and embrace fuel cells. Honda is at the forefront of this new breed and they know that clean air and engines won't be enough to sell. They know the car has to operate just like any other car so the transition into the masses is smooth and seamless. Nobody wants to learn how to drive again and because of that, the FCX has all of today's amenities plus tomorrows innovations.
I can't wait!
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:22 AM | Permalink