NAIAS 2015: Honda Debuts FCV Concept In North America

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

After making its global debut in Tokyo last year, the Honda FCV Concept bowed in Detroit for its North American unveiling.

Power for the concept comes from a fuel-cell stack yielding over 100 kW of output, with density at 3.1 kW/L. The result is a 60 percent improvement in power over the previous FCX Clarity’s stack; the FCV Concept’s stack is 33 percent smaller than the former’s powerplant, as well.

Driving range is expected to be north of 300 miles per tank, with refueling to take between three to five minutes at a pressure rate of 70 MPa.

The entire stack sits under the hood when compared to the Clarity’s fuel-storage tunnel. As a result, the Concept can seat five instead of four occupants.

Sales of the production-ready FCV will begin March 2016 in Honda’s home market, with the United States and Europe receiving theirs sometime thereafter.






Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Redav Redav on Jan 14, 2015

    I've never understood the media's insistence on using the verb "bow" in these cases. Since it means "debut," I can't figure out why they don't just use "debut." The other connotations of "bow" make it seem a poor word choice: - to cease from competition or resistance : submit, yield; also : to suffer defeat - to bend the head, body, or knee in reverence, submission, or shame Also, - to incline (as the head) especially in respect or submission - to crush with a heavy burden - to bend into a curve - to play a stringed musical instrument with a bow (from Merriam-Webster) So, when a new car "bows," I'm not really sure if it debuting or is admitting defeat and yielding to its rivals as it is ushered out in shame.

  • Zamoti Zamoti on Jan 14, 2015

    So much mirth lost to the spam filter.

  • 28-Cars-Later Say it ain't so, so reboot #6* isn't going to change anything?[list=1][*]V4-6-8 and High "Tech" 4100.[/*][*]Front wheel drive sooooo modern.[/*][*]NOrthSTARt.[/*][*]Catera wooooo.[/*][*]ATS all the things.[/*][*]We're *are* your daddy's Tesla. [/*][/list=1]
  • MaintenanceCosts Can I have the hybrid powertrains and packaging of the RAV4 Hybrid or Prime with the interior materials, design, and build quality of the Mazda?
  • ToolGuy I have 2 podcasts to listen to before commenting, stop rushing my homework.
  • ToolGuy Please allow me to listen to the podcast before commenting. (This is the way my mind works, please forgive me.)
  • ToolGuy My ancient sedan (19 years lol) matches the turbo Mazda 0-60 (on paper) while delivering better highway fuel economy, so let's just say I don't see a compelling reason to 'upgrade' and by the way HOW HAVE ICE POWERTRAIN ENGINEERS BEEN SPENDING THEIR TIME never mind I think I know. 😉
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