- Honda will display a prototype of its all-new hydrogen fuel cell at European Hydrogen Week in Brussels from 20-23 November
- Next-generation module to open up new market and sector opportunities for the brand – such as application within heavy-duty commercial vehicles
- Demonstrates Honda’s commitment to fuel cell applications as part of its global hydrogen strategy, following the addition of a new green hydrogen production facility at its R&D centre in Germany
Honda is showcasing a prototype of its next-generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack Module at the 2023 European Hydrogen Week as the latest demonstration of its pledge to achieving carbon neutrality across all global operations by 2050.
On display at the Brussels Expo from 20-23 November, the compact, yet powerful concept has been designed to offer exceptional durability and versatility across a variety of uses – including within fuel cell electric (FCEV) and commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and in stationary power generation.
Honda is currently working with a number of companies, who are developing products in the outlined application areas, to aide with the packaging phase and integration of the fuel cell system in development programmes. This is in anticipation of commercial sales of the fuel cell system commencing by the mid-2020’s.
This development support, to adapt the fuel cell system to customers’ products, is in addition to operational support, and advice on how to establish and run aftersales maintenance, thereby making a one-stop contribution to its customers’ efforts toward carbon neutrality.
“After over 30 years at the forefront of hydrogen fuel cell development, we believe demand for the technology will soon reach the critical mass required for full commercial deployment,” Ingo Nyhues, Deputy General Manager, Europe Business Planning & Development, Honda Motor Europe, said.
“The characteristics of our new fuel cell stack prototype are ideal for meeting the pressing needs of several industries seeking a rapid transition to zero emissions power sources. It is a highly versatile unit thanks to its compact dimensions, powerful output, outstanding durability, and ability to provide quick startup times – even in low temperature environments. The expertise we have garnered over three decades of Hydrogen R&D and commercialization of FCEV’s gives us a perfect foundation to apply our technologies to these new sectors in Europe, and ultimately support the region’s net zero ambitions.”
Heavy-duty commercial vehicles
Honda will invest significantly in the development of clean, low-noise, low-vibration fuel cell- solutions for heavy-duty commercial vehicle applications. This expansion is a response to the pressing need of the global haulage, freight, and logistics sectors to find sustainable powertrain technologies capable of transporting heavy cargo over long distances.
Earlier this year, Honda Motor and Isuzu Motors began the joint testing and development of a next-generation fuel cell system powered commercial heavy duty truck. The two companies are currently planning to start demonstration testing of a prototype model on public roads before the end of the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2024) and intend to introduce a production model to the market in 2027 by fully leveraging the technology, experience and knowledge gained through the joint research.
Stationary power generation
The power requirements of data centres have grown rapidly with the expansion of cloud computing and large data processing, while the demand for backup power sources has also increased as companies implement more robust business continuity planning (BCP). To meet these needs, Honda is aiming to apply its fuel cell technology to the stationary power generation sector where it can offer a clean and quiet backup power source.
More broadly, Honda will take an active role in establishing hydrogen ecosystems, seeking opportunities to participate in trial projects organised by national and local governments. It has already expanded its Energy Research Programme in Europe with the introduction of a green hydrogen production facility at its R&D centre in Offenbach, Germany.
Construction machinery
Honda will work with the construction industry to help develop hydrogen solutions for construction machinery. The company will also contribute to the development of zero emissions construction machinery by applying its fuel cell systems to excavators and wheel loaders, before exploring further opportunities in the sector.
Future fuel cell developments
Honda began exploring the potential of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the 1980s, and in 2002 it launched the Honda FCX – the first zero-emission FCEV on sale in the US and Japan. This was followed by the Honda FCX Clarity and Clarity FCV, which could both offer the same performance as conventional vehicles with zero emissions. This experience has now seen Honda develop a FCEV variant of the all-new CR-V, which will be available in certain global markets from next year.
For further information about European Hydrogen Week at the Brussels Expo, visit: euhydrogenweek.eu.
For further information on the Honda Fuel Cell prototype and Honda’s Hydrogen Business, visit The Honda Global Newsroom
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