How the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Works
The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is an alternative fuel vehicle that uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its primary power source. Here’s how it works:
1. Fuel Cell Stack: The Clarity Fuel Cell is equipped with a fuel cell stack, which is made up of multiple fuel cells stacked together. Each fuel cell consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane.
2. Hydrogen Fuel: Hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen molecules are then split into protons (H+) and electrons (e-) at the anode.
3. Proton Exchange Membrane: The protons pass through the proton exchange membrane, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current that can be used to power the vehicle.
4. Oxygen Supply: Oxygen from the air is supplied to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The oxygen molecules combine with the protons and electrons at the cathode, creating water vapor as the only byproduct.
5. Electric Motor: The electric current produced by the fuel cell powers an electric motor that drives the front wheels of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
6. Battery: The Clarity Fuel Cell also has a hybrid-like storage battery located under the front seats. This battery captures free kinetic energy during deceleration and regenerative braking, enhancing efficiency. It helps power the drive motor alongside the electricity supplied by the fuel cell.
7. Performance and Emissions: The Clarity Fuel Cell is designed to provide ample responsiveness on the road, and its only tailpipe emission is pure water vapor.
It’s important to note that the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is only available for lease in certain states and has a limited refueling infrastructure, primarily in California.
Contents
- Why is Honda discontinuing the Clarity?
- How does Honda’s fuel cell work?
- What is the biggest problem with hydrogen cars?
- What is Honda’s fuel cell strategy?
- How far can Honda Clarity go on gas?
- Does Honda Clarity fuel cell use gas?
- Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?
- Why did Honda discontinue clarity?
- How many miles per gallon does the Clarity gas only get?
- How does the clarity engine work?
Why is Honda discontinuing the Clarity?
According to Honda’s official statement on why the Clarity FCV was being pulled from its line-up, it cited a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, a lackluster market reception, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.
How does Honda’s fuel cell work?
Current in the external circuit. And water is generated at the oxygen electrode as a byproduct. This water is drained from the system and exits the car as water vapor via the exhaust.
What is the biggest problem with hydrogen cars?
The two prime dangers from fuel cell and hydrogen-powered vehicles are the danger of electrical shock and the flammability of the fuel. Fuel cells power vehicles by electro-chemically combining hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen (O2) from the surrounding air into water (H20) and electrical energy.
What is Honda’s fuel cell strategy?
Honda is exploring external fuel cell business opportunities with a goal to begin deliveries of the fuel cell system module soon, envisioning initial sales of 2,000 units per year. On the FCEV front, Honda will launch a CR-V FCEV, built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Centre in Marysville, Ohio, the US.
How far can Honda Clarity go on gas?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 kWh Show electric charging stations near me | .0 gal/100mi of gas + 31 kWh/100mi 2.4 gal/100mi |
| 48 miles Elec + Gas All Elec: 0-47 mi 340 miles Total Range | |
| About Plug-in Hybrid Cars |
Does Honda Clarity fuel cell use gas?
The Clarity Fuel Cell’s advanced powertrain is designed to provide ample responsiveness on the road, while its only tailpipe emission is pure water. The Feature: The Clarity Fuel Cell is essentially an electric vehicle that uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its primary power source.
Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?
More energy- and labor-intensive to store and transport hydrogen than gasoline or diesel fuel. Fuel cells are expensive to replace. Safety concerns over hydrogen flammability and electrical shock. Maintenance costs remain unclear.
Why did Honda discontinue clarity?
According to Honda’s official statement on why the Clarity FCV was being pulled from its line-up, it cited a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, a lackluster market reception, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.
How many miles per gallon does the Clarity gas only get?
42
Compare Side-by-Side
| Combined MPG on Electricity:110 | Combined MPG on Gas Only:42 |
|---|---|
| combined city/highway | combined city/highway |
How does the clarity engine work?
The Clarity plug-in hybrid is motivated by a 181-hp electric motor fed by a 17.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car’s gas engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, serves mainly as a generator for the battery and rarely drives the front wheels directly.
