Honda has launched a brand new gasoline cell module that was independently developed by the corporate. This new module boasts enhancements in energy, dimension, and manufacturing prices in comparison with the earlier model, which was co-developed with Normal Motors.
The most recent hydrogen gasoline cell system guarantees elevated energy and sturdiness whereas being extra compact and considerably cheaper to supply than its predecessor. The sooner gasoline cell was utilized within the low-volume 2025 Honda CR-V e-FCEV, a plug-in hybrid hydrogen crossover that’s nonetheless obtainable for lease at choose dealerships in California. Nevertheless, Honda has ended its partnership with GM for the event of recent gasoline cell applied sciences, selecting to pursue this newest model by itself.
Known as the “Honda Subsequent Era Gas Cell Module,” this hydrogen power supply offers a rated energy output of 150 kilowatts, almost double the 78 kW generated by the sooner FCX unit that was developed with GM. The voltage output of the brand new module has been elevated, now falling between 450 and 850 volts. This enhancement permits for compatibility with plug-in hybrid automobiles that includes 800-volt high-voltage batteries, whereas utilizing a hydrogen gasoline cell as a secondary energy supply. The earlier era’s voltage output ranged from 275 to 600 volts.
Furthermore, the utmost internet effectivity of the brand new module has elevated from 56.8% to 59.8%, and its quantity has been lowered from 557 liters all the way down to 300 liters. The mixture of dimension discount and elevated energy has resulted in a major increase in volumetric energy density, growing from 0.14 kW/l to 0.50 kW/l. Nevertheless, the load of the gasoline cell module has risen from 454 kilos (206 kilograms) to 551 kilos (250 kilograms).
When in comparison with the module used within the discontinued Honda Readability, this new unit is reported to have manufacturing prices lowered to one-fifth of the earlier model, with sturdiness improved by over 66%. Honda anticipates that manufacturing prices for the brand new module can be halved in comparison with the present gasoline cell.
The corporate plans to begin mass manufacturing of the brand new gasoline cell module in 2027, although it has but to specify what functions it can serve as soon as it’s in manufacturing. At present, hydrogen fueling stations are restricted within the U.S., primarily positioned in California. Nevertheless, hydrogen gasoline cells may also be employed in varied functions, together with energy era and heavy equipment, along with passenger automobiles. It stays to be seen what Honda will obtain with this new gasoline cell module.
In parallel, Toyota, identified for its Mirai FCEV, has additionally introduced a next-generation hydrogen module designed for larger vary and lowered manufacturing prices.
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