“We have integrated the strengths of Honda and GM to create the most capable production system in this joint venture,” said Tetsuo Suzuki, vice president of FCSM. “We brought a mass production mindset with attention to detail and a focus on high quality, and now we are ready to meet the needs of customers for future fuel cell technology applications and the beginning of the hydrogen era.”
Engineers from Honda and GM started working in 2013 on co-developing the next generation fuel cell system. In addition to improving performance, the companies collaborated to double the durability compared to the 2019 Honda Clarity fuel cell stack, using corrosion-resistant materials and improving low temperature operation.
Together, the two companies also focused on reducing development and manufacturing costs, leveraging economies of scale, advancing cell design, simplifying support auxiliary equipment, using common sources, and reducing the use of expensive precious metals. The manufacturing of the new fuel cell systems will therefore be two-thirds cheaper than that of the 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
Significant efforts were also made at FCSM to ensure the highest levels of quality, while simultaneously improving manufacturing productivity. The endeavor incorporates many pioneering methods to automate the assembly production of membrane electrodes and fuel cell stacks.
The Fuel Cell System is a key part of Honda’s ambitious “Triple Zero” approach to its global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050, not only through its products, but also throughout their entire lifecycle, including business activities.
Carbon neutrality for all Honda products and business activities by 2050.
Resource circulation – The use of 100% sustainable materials to create a circular economy will allow Honda to recycle or reuse all materials from its vehicles, process them back into raw materials, and reuse them in creating new products.
Use of clean and renewable energy, including electrification and hydrogen.
Honda will expand the applications of the new fuel cell system beyond FCEVs, for various internal and external applications, thus helping to stimulate the demand for hydrogen and facilitate society’s carbon neutrality through its use.
Honda Motor Europe unveiled a prototype of the next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system at the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels in November 2023. Over the five days of the event, it received over 100 inquiries from visitors from various industries in the region.
Honda aims to boost hydrogen demand by expanding its application to products and businesses, focusing on four application areas including FCEVs and commercial vehicles, stationary power plants, and construction machinery.
“The interest in the next-generation fuel cell system was incredible when it was presented in Brussels,” says Ingo Nyhues, Deputy General Manager, Planning and Business Development in Europe, Honda Motor Europe. “Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, is ideal for a multitude of industries and they are responding in kind, with many new opportunities, potential partnerships, and pathways emerging. Fuel cell systems are a key component in our journey towards a zero environmental impact future and can help a range of industries achieve their own goals.”
