While stating that it understands electric vehicle technology as well as anyone, and unveiling its new CR-Z hybrid sports car, Honda still believes that fuel cells are the future.
Honda Motor President and CEO Takanobu Ito, speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, outlined how the company has taken up the challenge to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by advancing various electromotive technologies. He referenced the development of the EV Plus electric vehicle in the 1990s and leasing to individual customers in the California area.
However, he also stated that a fuel cell electric vehicle is “the ultimate solution to reducing CO2 emissions”. He said that the development cost must come down and there must be a major expansion of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, but, he said, the Honda FCX Clarity is “ready now” and Honda is making long-term investments to develop infrastructure for alternative fuel cell vehicles.
He revealed that this month the company will begin operation of a next-generation solar hydrogen station at its Los Angeles Research and Development Centre – one that has the potential to fuel the ultimate eco-car.
He stated however, that in the near term, the most important approach is to expand the use of hybrid electric vehicles and the company will apply hybrid systems that are “compact, lightweight and affordable to a wider range of products in the near future”.
