On Friday, Honda unveiled a new stationary fuel cell power system that will serve as the backup power for its data center at its American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California. The system utilizes second life fuel cells taken from Honda’s Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles and is capable of producing more than 500 kW of power. This is a major step forward for Honda in terms of providing backup power systems and localized energy storage.
Honda is also actively developing a next generation fuel cell system in partnership with General Motors, which they believe will cost one third of what the current fuel cells do. This will be the foundation for a completely new generation of passenger vehicles, starting with a Honda CRV based fuel cell vehicle which will go into production at its factory in Ohio in 2024.
The challenge of developing zero emission hydrogen production, compression, distribution, and fueling is significant, and public fueling infrastructure is still lacking in density and reliability. Battery electric vehicles can charge up anywhere with an outlet in a pinch, but Honda’s plans for hydrogen fuel cells could provide the backbone for larger and more capable power systems around the world.
It is exciting to see the progress Honda is making with hydrogen fuel cells, but with the climate crisis causing significant, immediate challenges at the global scale each and every day, it is important to consider the potential of battery electric vehicles as well. Honda’s new stationary fuel cell power system is a major step forward, but it is also important to consider the potential of battery electric vehicles to provide zero emission solutions today.
FAQ
Q1. How electric car batteries work?
A1. Electric car batteries are typically lithium-ion batteries that store energy and power the motor. They are recharged by plugging the car into an electric outlet or charging station.
Q2. What electric car has the longest range?
A2. The Tesla Model S has the longest range of any electric car currently on the market, with a range of up to 370 miles on a single charge.
Q3. How electric car batteries are recycled?
A3. Electric car batteries are recycled by breaking them down into their component parts and then separating out the metals, plastics, and other materials for reuse. The metals are melted down and reused in new products, while the plastics and other materials are recycled into new products.
