Honda started to lease the world’s first fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in December 2002 and has provided FCVs with advanced new technologies continuously to customers. And then, Honda leased the newly developed fuel cell vehicle, the CLARITY FUEL CELL, in March 2016. A downsized fuel cell system with high performance and durability has been realized by evolved structure of fuel cell stack and controlling water content distribution in the catalyst coated membrane applying fundamental technologies to predict the fuel cell lifetime as follows: Performance degradation of catalyst Mechanical degradation of electrolyte membrane Chemical degradation of electrolyte membrane Water content optimization for catalyst coated membrane As a result, fuel cell system, voltage control unit and motor unit are integrated into one fuel cell powertrain system. This highly integrated design allowed the CLARITY FUEL CELL becoming the world's first production five-seater fuel cell sedan to install the entire fuel cell powertrain system under the front hood of the car. In order to popularize fuel cells, continuous efforts for cost reduction (the development of specifications and processes) will be essential. Moreover, Honda is pursuing hydrogen society actively under the key concept “generate”, “use” and “get connected” for realization of a recycling-based society.
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