Honda FXC Clarity

In a fuel cell car, the fuel tank is replaced by a hydrogen tank. In the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity. The fuel cell is therefore a kind of mini power plant. But since hydrogen is a carbon-free fuel, exhaust emits neither CO2 nor other polluting gases, but only water vapour. The fuel cell car is therefore the ultimate in cleanliness. The electricity generated by the regenerative braking system is stored in a compact and efficient lithium-ion battery. This battery works in conjunction with the fuel cell to move the vehicle. The fuel cell vehicle produces its own electricity. To do this, it uses a fuel that is hydrogen. This gas does not exist as such in nature, but it is combined with many substances from which it can be extracted. Currently, hydrogen is most often extracted from natural gas, but it is also possible to obtain it by electrolysis of water, with the electricity needed for the reaction then being supplied by renewable energies such as solar, wind or hydroelectric power plants. Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be obtained from renewable or low-carbon energy sources. It does not require long transport and does not present any environmental risks.

Just the silence and the performance

Driven by a high-performance electric motor, the FCX Clarity provides a completely different driving experience. No gear change interrupts the acceleration, which is both smooth and powerful. The vibrations that characterize the operation of a piston engine are also absent and there is no combustion noise either. Accelerations are identical to those of a car of the same size with a 2.4-litre internal combustion engine. These performances are the result of the FCX Clarity's exceptional energy management, whose performance is increasing. In addition, the car's light weight and excellent aerodynamic profile contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption. The capacity of the hydrogen tank has also been increased, increasing the range by 40%. The maximum speed is 160 km/h.