AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Is there an Aromatic Membrane in your future? Fuel Cell Car Update 2005 - Hond FCX

This year's Honda fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, drives like an ordinary car according to Jim Motavalli of the New York Times. While range remains limited, at about 190 miles, this year's fuel cells are half the size of the previous models and produce twice the power. The subcompact FCX weighs 3700 lbs, goes 0-60 in about 11 seconds (slow but not extrodinarily slow), and costs over a million dollars.

Honda's #1 bragging point: an aromatic electrolyte membrane allows the FCX to operate at temperatures down to four degrees below zero. Cold weather performance has always been a problem for fuel cells. That's why I never understood why they are used in NASA spacecraft, since the temperature in space is close to absolute zero.


Honda FCX: What a Gas! A Week in Suburbia With a Hydrogen Honda - New York Times