Lease a Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle
Thanks to HybridCarsBlog for the heads up:
At this year’s LA Auto Show, Honda took a big step into the future announcing that the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will be offered for lease in the summer of 2008. For $600.00 per month – including maintenance and collision insurance – customers will be able to lease a an FCX Clarity for a term of 3 years.
This, of course, begs the question … how responsible a choice are hydrogen-fueled cars? I know, I know. I’m not an engineer, and I don’t really understand the science behind a lot of things other bloggers do, but I’m worried that hydrogen trades dependence on one fuel that uses up resources and pollutes the air for another whose production will use up resources/pollute our air. I know you can make it with fairly environmentally friendly options, but with the costs being higher, I’m not sure they’ll win out.
Then there are safety concerns. What will happen if there’s a leak? Or in a collision? The technology – for consumers – is still very new, and like most new things, it will take a few brave souls to test the waters. Unfortunately, those souls won’t be found among my immediate family. For one, there is very limited availability – the lease option is restricted to residents of Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas. For two, it’s a four-person sedan, which just doesn’t fit our family’s needs. I’m going to hunt around for more information on safety though, because I would imagine, if anything kills the hydrogen-fueled car, it will be the public’s perception of safety.
Image: Newscom
Unique Protection
Omni-directional crash protection is in place to help protect the hydrogen and electrical devices in the event of a collision.
Next Best Thing to a Co-Pilot
Honda Motor Co., LTD introduced the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) in 2003, and we have now added it to the FCX Clarity. CMBS™ can help detect a potential collision and, through the use of visual and audio alerts plus an automatic tug of the seat belt, it can alert the driver to take action. If a collision cannot be avoided, front seat belts are automatically retracted and braking force reduces the vehicle’s speed to help lessen the force of the collision.
Hydrogen Safety
Sensors are located throughout the vehicle to provide a warning in the unlikely event of a hydrogen leak. Should such a leak occur, a ventilation system is activated and an automatic system closes the main cut-off valves on the hydrogen tanks or supply lines as necessary. The high-voltage lines are electrically isolated. Sensors provide a warning in case of grounding. In the event of a collision, high-voltage contactors shut down the source power line. Repeated flood and fire testing have confirmed a very high level of safety and reliability.
Refueling Safety
Honda has taken safety measures with regard to refueling safety. To prevent reverse flow from the tank, the hydrogen filler inlet has an integrated check valve. The fuel intake mechanism is also designed to prevent contamination by other gases or the connection of nozzles designed for hydrogen stored at incompatible pressure levels.