Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell hits 3x power density, 2x durability for future cars
The fuel cell works well in a wide range of temperatures and altitudes, with a 59.8% efficiency.
Japanese automobile giant Honda has unveiled its next-generation fuel cell module at the 23rd International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo in Tokyo. This development could give a significant boost to hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Notably, unlike the current module, which was co-developed with General Motors (GM), this new model has been created in-house by Honda.
The new fuel cell module is expected to offer a remarkable 50% reduction in production costs compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the module’s durability has been doubled to ensure a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
The volumetric power density of the fuel cell module has also increased threefold.
“The module was downsized by increasing the volumetric power density by more than three times, which increased the flexibility of installation layouts,” explained the company.
This, in turn, results in a compact design of the module that measures just 28.7 inches wide, 27.5 inches high, and 22.8 inches deep.
Moreover, it weighs 550 pounds, which significantly enhances installation flexibility. This design allows for versatile integration into various applications, from vehicles to stationary power sources.