Autoblog

click above image for the First Drive of the 2009 Honda FCX

Following the conclusion of press days at the 2007 LA Auto Show, AutoblogGreen got invited to join Honda for a first drive in its FCX Clarity. In case you missed the announcement last week, when it becomes "available" next summer, the FCX Clarity will the world's first series production fuel cell-powered car. Another unique aspect of the FCX is the fact that it was designed from the ground up as a fuel cell vehicle rather than being converted from an existing vehicle. Previously only concepts like the Chevy Sequel had this distinction. The Clarity is remarkably complete and functional with all the amenities you would expect on a car like the Acura RL. Get the whole scoop on the 2009 FCX Clarity at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Click the FCX Clarity for a high res gallery

Two years after unveiling the fuel cell-powered FCX concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda today revealed the production version of the car that will be available next summer, along with a name and a price. The car now known as the FCX Clarity will be available to retail customers starting in mid-2008 for a three year lease. The $600/month price tag will include all maintenance and collision insurance. Unlike GM's Project Driveway program, Honda made it clear that engineers won't be following these cars around. People will be able to come into a Honda dealer, sign the papers and drive away. At least if they live in southern California. Initially, the cars will only be available to customers in areas where hydrogen filling stations are available. The production version remains true to the concept with the only real change being the nose, which has been stretched a few inches to provide for some crush space. The range on a full tank of hydrogen compressed to 5,000 psi remains at 270 miles and the vertical flow fuel cell can start at temperatures down to -22F

[Source: Honda]

In conjunction with Honda's efforts towards bringing a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle to the States in 2008, plans are well underway to do the same thing for diesels that the automaker did for cleaner gasoline engines in the 70s.

Diesel-powered vehicles entering the U.S. have to meet stringent emission standards set by new legislation put into effect this year. Because of this hurdle, many manufacturers are looking towards using additives, like the urea-based injection system developed by DaimlerChrysler, to meet these standards.

Honda, on the other hand, is engineering a system that produces ammonia within the catalytic converter, changing harmful nitrogen oxide into just plain old nitrogen. The system is in the process of being tuned to accept a variety of diesel fuel, while still maintaining its low emissions, through chemical testing and programming through the federally mandated On Board Diagnostic System (OBD).

Honda plans on bringing the new diesel to the U.S. market within three years, soon after Volkswagen releases their own line of revamped diesels to consumers in 2008.

[Source: CNET]

The US Army took delivery of the first Chevy Equinox fuel-cell vehicle yesterday during a Washington, D.C. ceremony that marked the kickoff of GM's new Project Driveway initiative. Maj. Gen. Roger A. Nadeau (above), commander of the US Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command, was on hand to accept the keys from GM's Larry Burns and Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

The fuel-cell Equinox will be used for general transportation duties on bases in Virginia and California, and will afford the military additional real-world experience regarding FCV operation, maintenance and logistics. The Army and GM have a history of woking together with FCVs, the most recent example being the Silverado Fuel Cell Truck y into service last year.

In a somewhat humorous aside, the joint press release issued by GM, the Army, and Senator Levin's office notes that the Equinox will be used for "non-tactical" purposes. Hello? It's an Equinox alternative-fuel vehicle. Saying that it's not intended for tactical use is akin to taking out an ad in the newspaper to tell readers the sky is blue.

It's also apparent that not all the Project Driveway FCVs have the new-look face seen on the press photos released last week by GM. The Army's machine (right) has the enlarged grille opening and added intakes in the front bumper, but it's obviously a variation on the old Equinox front end. Looks like a facelift may be on the horizon.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: GM]

General Motors yesterday unveiled plans for "Project Driveway", a field market research project that will place 100 hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles with customers across the United States. A diverse cross-section of customers with varied driving environments will be chosen to participate in California, New York and DC, with a target for delivery in fall 2007.

The fuel-cell vehicles are based on the Chevy Equinox crossover, and aside from the alternative powertrain, include all the usual features.

Hydrogen power is a significant development in that its only emissions are given off in the form of pure water. One significant problem this poses in cold-weather climates is that the "exhaust water" freezes, making this solution a bit problematic when the thermometer dips below freezing. But GM claims that its Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle will operate in cold climates. The development, manufacturing and testing of the vehicles is taking place at three GM facilities in the Canadian province of Ontario, so they had better work or they'll never make it out of the factory.

(Read the complete press release after the jump)

[Source: GM via AutoblogGreen]