The Honda FCX is a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Honda. It is a two-door, four-seat vehicle, with a range of 170 miles, and is said to be entirely silent in operation.

The city of San Francisco leased two FCXs in 2005, as part of an initiative to provide city officials with clean transportation.

The 2005 FCX uses front-wheel drive and has a maximum output of 107 horsepower and 201 foot-pounds of torque. The type of fuel cell used is a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. Honda originally only leased the FCX to certain corporate and government entities. On 29 June 2005 Honda leased an FCX to its first non-commercial customer; Jon and Sandy Spallino of Redondo Beach, California.

The FCX requires a big step up to the interior due to the engine mounted beneath the seats but has features like traction control, cruise control, automatic climate control, CD player, power windows, power locks and power heated mirrors. The FCX seats four adults comfortably. The only thing new for 2006 versions available for lease is the Satellite Navigation System.

Production Version

At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Honda announced that it would make a production version of the concept FCX it had shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, and that production is expected to begin in 3-4 years. The production version will closely resemble the concept, although it is unknown if some of the concept's more radical features, such as a tilting instrument panel, will be included. Honda also plans to offer a Home Energy Station (HES) that will convert natural gas into hydrogen. The homeowner can then use the resulting hydrogen to fuel either the FCX car or the HES's built-in hydrogen fuel cell, providing up to 5 kW of normal or backup electricity and/or hot water for the home.

External links

• Official FCX Concept Site
• Honda Leases First Fuel Cell Car
• New 2006 FCX Fuel Cell Concept by Honda
• More Details on Honda's 2006 FCX Fuel Cell Car

Honda vehicles | Concept automobiles

Honda FCX | FCX