Honda has set aside the framework of automotive design. A radical and conception breaking vehicle has been conceived, offering distinctive styling that customers of premium vehicles expect. It had to have four wheels. Beyond that, we were free. There is no engine-this is a completely different powerplant. Free from common design constraints, the Honda team took an entirely new approach. The goal was to create a totally innovative, exciting design that suggests the future at a glance-a dynamic, full-cabin sedan featuring innovative packaging that takes advantage of the fuel cell electric vehicle's layout versatility and powerful driving performance.
Since the motor is so compact, Honda engineers were able to create a revolutionary new platform with a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase. The result was a new type of sedan with unique proportions and a futuristic look. An emotional appeal that goes beyond environmental responsibility. Ultimately, the appeal of a car emerges from its appearance-a sense of motion even when it's standing still. Features like the accentuated wing flares complement the dynamically tapered lines of the front and back of the cabin and the flowing side lines of the one-motion form.
The innovative and attractive packaging of the FCX Clarity take it well beyond the realm of environmental responsibility. The elegant form of the FCX Clarity sets it apart from everything else on the road and complements the rational, environmental reasons for driving a fuel cell eletric vehicle. The sharp, dark chrome trim that runs from bumper to headlight draws the eyes toward the front wings, creating a powerful, dynamic look and a cool, clean, futuristic feel.
The side mirrors add to the FCX Clarity's free-flowing cabin. Mounted on slender arms that blend with the door moulding, they emphasise the elegant lines of the side windows, with the moulding embracing the mirror housing.
The exterior door handles have a spare, clean look that accentuates the slender lines of the body. Robust rear wings reinforce the compact cabin for a bold, sculpted look. The rear glass and contoured design of the rear combination lamps emphasise the vehicle's wide, confident stance. An extra rear window for more visibility control: looks great, enhances visibility, allows for a larger boot.
The most distinctive feature of the new one-motion design is found at the rear of the FCX Clarity. To take advantage of the high-deck design and enhance rear visibility, the car is fitted with an extra window with visibility control-a feature carefully designed to protect privacy. The rear of the car is set high to ensure good luggage volume, and windows are positioned in the upper boot lid and in the barrier behind the rear seat to allow the driver to see into the boot.
A special polycarbonate layer is applied to both sides of the window to make transparency dependent on the angle of vision, protecting occupants' privacy. The result is excellent rearward visibility for the driver, with a high level of privacy for the rear-seat passengers. Free-flowing, aerodynamic design capitalises on the new platform's unique qualities. It is no coincidence that the exterior design's key features-the front and rear wings, the front pillars, the tapered rear cabin-also contribute to outstanding aerodynamic performance.
Superb aerodynamics are built into the free-flowing, one-motion form. And because there is no engine-and therefore no low-hanging exhaust system-the car's underbody is flatter, reducing drag. Ultra-lightweight forged-aluminium 5-spoke wheels have fin-shaped plastic fairings to suppress air turbulence, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics while adding a sporty touch.
The star garnet colour of the brilliant finish sets the FCX Clarity's one-motion body apart. The extraordinary depth and quality of the coating provides a deep, expressive lustre that changes character depending on the play of light and shadow across its surface. This is a premium vehicle inside and out. Honda designers aimed to take maximum advantage of the space, creating a comfort zone with a futuristic feel.
The central tunnel formed by the FC Stack neatly divides the left and right front spaces. The door linings help create an inclusive feel that sets apart the personal space of four independent seats within the spacious cabin.
The floating instrument panel gives the cockpit a next-generation feel and provides the driver with new levels of functionality and visibility. The warm earth-tone colours are intended to create a soothing, natural feel. Four distinct spaces have been created within the luxurious interior. The doors feature bold concave lines that accentuate the sense of roominess and create relaxing, personal spaces. Front pillars have been extended forward, while maintaining generous headroom proportions, to create a sense of space.
The instrument panel is set off as a unified mass unconnected to the door line, making it appear to levitate. Bright colouring in the padding accentuates the airy, spacious feel. The new fuel cell multi-functional display in the cockpit, for example, features three-dimensional displays of hydrogen consumption, battery levels, motor output and other key information. The speedometer is positioned directly above the display to minimise eye movement.
A compact electronic shifter that leverages the latest in drive-by-wire technology has been moulded into the dial visors. Other design touches enhance the futuristic feel, like the start switch beside the centre console that activates the fuel cell stack. The luminescent three-dimensional meters recessed into the instrument panel display all key driving information. A centrally located ball-shaped H2 meter keeps track of hydrogen consumption.
The vehicle's dials work together to provide an effective interface, providing the data output the driver needs. The H2 ball-shaped hydrogen consumption gauge changes colour and size to reflect hydrogen consumption as driving conditions change. During high consumption, the ball becomes large and amber-coloured. As consumption decreases, it shrinks and turns yellow, then blue. The hydrogen fuel and battery gauges are to the right of the H2 ball-shaped meter. Silver accents and blue acrylic in the inner door handle and audio panel impart a futuristic look.
High-quality materials like wood-grain appearance panelling in the doors and luminous black lacquer headrests combine with warm colours for a luxurious, space-age feel. To help move away from petroleum-based resins and other synthetic fibres toward plant-based fabrics, Honda created a new premium biofabric for vehicle interiors. Honda Bio-Fabric is a polyester material called poly trimethylene terephthalate PTT , made by fermenting corn.
Its texture and durability make it perfect for use in seat coverings, door linings, console trays and arm rests-any part of the vehicle where the occupants will appreciate its premium feel. Poly lactic acid PLA fibres made from corn and other plant biomass are used in roof linings, floor carpeting and boot linings.
In fact, all interior fabric coverings in the FCX Clarity are made of natural, plant-based materials. The molecular structure of PTT fibre is finely kinked in an accordion-like structure, allowing it to stretch more readily than other fibres and return easily to its original shape, avoiding sagging.
It also has a unique, silky feel not found in other coverings. That is why Honda Bio-Fabric is used on all surfaces that come into direct contact with the occupants.
The 1,3-propanediol, which forms the raw material for PTT fibres, is normally produced by chemosynthesis. In contrast, Honda Bio-Fabric is made from corn, using a bio-tech fermentation method. It is combined with terephthalic acid, a petroleum extract, to create PTT resin, which in turn is spun, made into fibres, dyed and turned into Honda Bio-Fabric.
Plant-based resins are carbon neutral even when incinerated-the CO2 released during disposal is balanced by the CO2 absorbed during growth.
To meet the expectations of premium automobile customers, the FCX Clarity is equipped with dual zone climate control to ensure optimal occupant comfort and more efficient use of energy. Temperature control devices built right into the seat cushions and seatbacks use fans to draw in air, which a thermo-electric device then cools by absorbing heat or warms. The air is then blown through the seats to maintain the desired temperature while maintaining the breathability of the urethane, permeable foam and upholstery layers.
Since this process provides heating and cooling in direct contact with the occupants, it is faster and more efficient than air conditioning alone. Individual controls are conveniently located on either side of the centre panel, providing an advanced touch of comfort for the luxury customer.
The FCX Clarity is designed to meet every storage need. There are drink holders for each occupant and many other easy-to-use storage areas. A boot space, separate under-boot storage well and other innovations add up to storage volume comparable to other mid-size sedans.
Honda fuel cell electric vehicles continue to lead the industry. Recognising that the fuel cell stack is the key to the fuel cell electric vehicle's evolution, Honda has continued to improve performance and packaging. In Honda unveiled the Honda FC Stack, capable of sub-zero start-up and boasting outstanding production feasibility.
Its design, featuring stamped metal separators and an aromatic electrolytic membrane, revolutionised the fuel cell. Next, Honda took up the challenge of structural innovation-creating the V Flow FC Stack with an original cell structure that delivers decreased weight, improved performance and even more compact design. The V Flow FC platform is the next generation in package design.
It makes compelling styling and packaging feasible in a fuel cell electric vehicle for the first time. It is the breakthrough in stack technology that gives the FCX Clarity its elegant design. The Honda V Flow FC Stack uses a proton exchange membrane fuel cell PEMFC electrical generation system that directly converts chemical energy produced in hydrogen-oxygen reactions into electrical energy. The extremely thin proton exchange membrane electrolytic membrane is sandwiched between pairs of electrode layers and diffusion layers the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes to form a membrane electrode assembly MEA.
The MEA is enclosed between two separators to form a cell-a single electrical generation unit. Several hundred cells are stacked together to form a fuel cell stack. As with batteries, these individual cells are connected in a series to produce a high voltage. The main components of the fuel cell electric vehicle's powerplant are the fuel cell stack, which generates electricity from hydrogen, the hydrogen tank, the lithium ion battery, the electric drive motor and the Power Drive Unit PDU , which governs the flow of electricity.
Because the vehicle is propelled by an electric motor, it delivers smooth, powerful acceleration and quiet operation, without the noise and vibration associated with an internal combustion engine. During start-up and acceleration-when a large amount of power is required-the electricity from the fuel cell stack to the drive motor is supplemented with electricity from the lithium ion battery to provide powerful performance.
During deceleration, the drive motor works as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored in the lithium ion battery along with any excess electricity produced by the fuel cells. When the vehicle is stationary, an idle stop system shuts down electrical generation in the fuel cell stack. Electricity from the lithium ion battery ensures continued operation of the air conditioner and other devices.
The system optimally controls electrical power, resulting in highly efficient operation. Another key advance: a vertical gas flow cell structure is combined with wave flow-channel separators for an even more compact, lightweight design.
Until now, hydrogen and air flowed horizontally through the cells of Honda fuel cell stacks. The new V Flow FC Stack introduces a cell structure in which hydrogen and air flow vertically, and gravity is used to facilitate more efficient drainage of the water by-product from the electricity generating layer. The result is greater stability in power generation. The new structure also allows for a thinner flow channel and reduction in the stack's size and weight.
And Honda's innovative and original wave flow-channel separators provide a more even and efficient supply of hydrogen, air and coolant to the electricity generating layer. The results are higher generating performance, optimal cooling characteristics and major reductions in size and weight.
More compact, the new stack has far fewer parts and can fit into a single box. It is also much easier to manufacture. V Flow cell structure for greater stability in electrical generation and a thinner design.
In addition to allowing hydrogen and air to flow vertically, the V Flow design also means that water drainage is assisted by gravity. Water does not collect on the electrical generation layer, ensuring constant power generation.
The fuel cell consists of a membrane electrode assembly MEA -an electrolytic membrane sandwiched between the pairs of electrode layers and diffusion layers forming the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes-which are in turn enclosed between separators containing flow channels for hydrogen, air and coolant.
The V Flow FC Stack incorporates wave-shaped vertical flow channels for the hydrogen and air, with horizontal coolant flow channels weaving between them. The wave flow channels provide greater flow length per channel than straight channels, while the resulting turbulent flow within the channel promotes improved hydrogen and air distribution.
The horizontal coolant flow also ensures more even cooling over the entire electricity generation layer, allowing for a reduction in the number of cooling layers to half that of previous stacks. The previous stack had one cooling layer for each cell. The new stack needs only one cooling layer per two cells. Improved water drainage due to the V Flow cell structure facilitates better output immediately after start-up. The most distinctive feature of the fuel cell electric vehicle-other than the fuel cell itself-is the layout flexibility made possible by the fact that the powerplant and drive train can be distributed throughout the vehicle.
In order to take full advantage of this feature, each component in the powerplant must be made extremely compact. To this end, each part of the fuel cell stack-the drive motor and gearbox, the power drive unit, the lithium ion battery and even the hydrogen tank and radiators-have been made as compact and as efficient as possible.
This creates maximum freedom to optimise the position of each part to achieve the spacious, full-cabin design unique to this new fuel cell electric vehicle. The end product is the embodiment of Honda's man maximum, machine minimum design philosophy-and the next generation in human-friendly automobiles. The V Flow FC Stack is located inside the centre tunnel, and the lithium ion battery is placed under the rear seat.
The result is a free-flowing, full-cabin design with a long wheelbase that provides the spacious and comfortable seating that customers expect in a luxury car.
Vertical gas flow , with the cells of the fuel cell stack configured so that hydrogen and air flow from top to bottom. Vertebral layout , with the fuel cell box oriented longitudinally along the centre tunnel.
The technology - a powerplant that is sure to spark a revolution in design, packaging and performance. In addition to making the fuel cell stack, drive motor and other individual components more compact, parts have been consolidated into modular units.
The fuel cell stack is now contained in one box instead of two. This makes it possible to locate the stack in the vehicle's centre tunnel rather than under the floor, achieving a low-floor, low-height body design. The vehicle's auxiliary power source, the new lithium ion battery, delivers improved performance and energy recovery in a more lightweight, compact package. This gives the car more passenger space and a bigger trunk. Increased powerplant efficiency, vehicle weight reduction and improved aerodynamics have resulted in a major reduction in heat generation.
The cooling air vent for the motor bay has been reconfigured and the cooling capacity of the radiators increased. These improvements made it possible to integrate the fuel cell radiator, the drive train radiator and the air conditioning condenser into a single three-layer unit. An innovative configuration, with drive motor and gearbox oriented coaxially, achieves a mm reduction in length as measured along the drive axis. These innovations make possible the FCX Clarity's stylish, short-nose design.
This creates more space for the rear seats and boot. A feeling that the acceleration will go on forever. Smooth, quiet and luxurious driving feel not found in any internal combustion engine-powered vehicle. Along with uncompromising performance, the electric motor- driven FCX Clarity delivers a completely different driving sensation from a conventional vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. There are no gear changes to interrupt power delivery and the torque characteristics are smooth, making acceleration seamless and robust.
This is a key part of its distinctive, premium driving feel. There is none of the vibration that comes from reciprocating pistons. There is no combustion noise-just quiet, clean, vibration free performance.
Start-up and acceleration times are comparable to that of a 2. The FCX Clarity's high-efficiency powerplant and outstanding energy management result in an exceedingly high operating energy efficiency. Higher output, high torque, higher rpms. Quieter operation in a more compact design. The new drive motor configuration was developed to deliver more powerful acceleration and a higher top speed, along with a quieter, more luxurious ride. The new rotor and stator feature a combined reluctance torque, low-loss magnetic circuit and full-range, full-digital vector control to achieve high efficiency and high output over a wide speed range.
The innovative shape and layout of the magnets in the rotor result in high-output, high-torque, high-rpm performance. These innovations deliver a maximum output of kW along with impressive torque and power output density. At the same time, resonance points in the high-frequency range have been eliminated for quieter operation. A newly designed rotor features an Interior Permanent Magnet IPM to lower inductance, improving reluctance torque for high-torque performance. The magnet's high-energy characteristics also contribute to high torque and a more compact design.
The number of poles has also been reduced and the magnet widened to better withstand stress, allowing the yoke to wrap around the outside of the IPM. A centre rib has been installed for greater rigidity. This more robust construction allows for operation at higher rpm.
The stator features a low iron-loss electrical steel sheet and higher density windings that decrease resistance and contribute to high torque and higher output.
Number of poles reduced to eliminate resonance points and produce quieter operation. The number of magnetic poles in the rotor has been reduced from 12 to 8, eliminating resonance points within the operating rpm range. The result is outstanding quietness and higher output.
Coaxial gearbox conveys motor output directly for a major improvement in compact design. The motor's rotor shaft features a hollow construction, with the driveshaft passing through its centre in a coaxial configuration.
This arrangement, unique to electric vehicles, allows the motor and gearbox to be combined into a single, compact unit, while providing highly efficient transmission of the motor's high-output, high-rpm power to the driveshaft. Innovative bearing design and fewer rotor oil seals result in lower friction for higher transmission efficiency, creating driving performance with a more direct feel.
The vehicle's fixed gear ratio allows for simple operation: there's an easy-to-use shift control for forward, reverse and park that has a light touch and a short stroke. The door linings help create an inclusive feel that sets apart the personal space of four independent seats within the spacious cabin. The floating instrument panel gives the cockpit a next-generation feel and provides the driver with new levels of functionality and visibility. The warm earth-tone colors are intended to create a soothing, natural feel.
Four distinct spaces have been created within the luxurious interior. The doors feature bold concave lines that accentuate the sense of roominess and create relaxing, personal spaces. Front pillars have been extended forward, while maintaining generous headroom proportions, to create a sense of space. The instrument panel is set off as a unified mass unconnected to the door line, making it appear to levitate.
Bright coloring in the padding accentuates the airy, spacious feel. An advanced cockpit for a futuristic experience Naturally, because it's a Honda, the FCX Clarity is fun and easy to drive. The new fuel cell multi-functional display in the cockpit, for example, features three-dimensional displays of hydrogen consumption, battery levels, motor output and other key information.
The speedometer is positioned directly above the display to minimize eye movement. A compact electronic shifter that leverages the latest in drive-by-wire technology has been molded into the meter visors. Other design touches enhance the futuristic feel, like the start switch beside the center console that activates the fuel cell stack.
The luminescent three-dimensional meters recessed into the instrument panel display all key driving information.
A centrally located ball-shaped H2 meter keeps track of hydrogen consumption. The vehicle's meters work together to provide an effective interface, providing the data output the driver needs. The H2 ball-shaped hydrogen consumption gauge changes color and size to reflect hydrogen consumption as driving conditions change. During high consumption, the ball becomes large and amber-colored.
As consumption decreases, it shrinks and turns yellow, then blue. The Hydrogen fuel and battery gauges are to the right of the H2 ball-shaped meter. Luxury from the future Silver accents, blue acrylic in the interior door handle, and audio panel impart a futuristic look. High-quality materials like wood-grain appearance paneling in the doors and luminous black lacquer headrests combine with warm colors for a luxurious, space-age feel.
Honda Bio-Fabric, a new interior fabric made from plant material - another world's first for Honda To help move away from petroleum-based resins and other synthetic fibers toward plant-based fabrics, Honda created a new premium bio-fabric for vehicle interiors. Honda Bio-Fabric is a polyester material called poly trimethylene terephthalate PTT made by fermenting corn Its texture and durability make it perfect for use in seat coverings, door linings, console trays and arm rests - any part of the vehicle where the occupants will appreciate its premium feel.
Poly lactic acid PLA fibers made from corn and other plant biomass are used in roof linings, floor carpeting and trunk linings. In fact, all interior fabric coverings in the FCX Clarity are made of natural, plant-based materials. Honda Bio-Fabric: outstanding elasticity and feel The molecular structure of PTT fiber is finely kinked in an accordion structure, allowing it to stretch more readily than other fibers and return easily to its original shape, avoiding sagging.
It also has a unique, silky feel not found in other coverings. That's why Honda Bio-Fabric is used on all surfaces that come into direct contact with the occupants. The 1,3-propanediol, which forms the raw material for PTT fibers, is normally produced by chemosynthesis. In contrast, Honda Bio-Fabric is made from corn using a bio-tech fermentation method. It is combined with terephtalic acid, a petroleum extract, to create PTT resin, which in turn is spun, made into fibers, dyed, and turned into Honda Bio-Fabric.
Plant-based resins are carbon neutral even when incinerated - the CO 2 released during disposal is balanced by the CO 2 absorbed during growth. Front-row independent temperature controls. To meet the expectations of premium automobile customers, the FCX Clarity is equipped with dual zone climate control to ensure optimal occupant comfort and more efficient use of energy. Temperature control devices built right into the seat cushions and seatbacks use fans to draw in air, which a thermo-electric device then cools by absorbing heat or warms.
The air is then blown through the seats to maintain the desired temperature while maintaining the breathability of the urethane, permeable foam and upholstery layers. Since it provides heating and cooling in direct contact with the occupants, this process is faster and more efficient than air conditioning alone.
Individual controls are conveniently located on either side of the center panel, providing an advanced touch of comfort for the luxury customer. The FCX Clarity is designed to meet every storage need. There are drink holders for each occupant and many other easy-to-use storage areas. A trunk space, separate under-trunk storage well, and other innovations add up to storage volume comparable to other mid-size sedans.
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