Honda FCX concept fuel cell car in depth, Pt. 3 - Construction and interior
(Editor's Note: don't miss Parts One and Two of this series)
The body structure of the Honda FCX concept is a combination of a steel lower body structure mated to a carbon-fiber composite upper structure. The production version will switch to an all steel structure to help keep costs down and simplify manufacturing. The steeply raked windshield inevitably means a really long dash board, and the risk of nasty reflections. On a sunny autumn day at Laguna Seca, reflections didn't pose a problem on the concept, hopefully this will be carried over to the production version.
(Continued after the jump)
The dashboard design uses a double deck design similar to the new Civic. The upper part houses a digital speedometer. The lower section visible through the steering wheel has a graphical display comprised of concentric rings of information. In the center is a glowing circle that appears small at idle but steadily grows and changes from blue to yellow as the load on the fuel cell increases. The right hand side shows the fuel level gauge. Click below, to see a short video of the gauge in action.
On the left is the energy gauge. As you press the accelerator, you draw energy from the cell and the battery and the bars grow clockwise around the gauge. As you back off, the gauge returns to the 9 o'clock position and then beyond counter-clockwise into the yellow zone. This region indicates that you're charging the battery via regenerative braking. Finally, to the right of the main gauge cluster is the gear indicator. The actual shifter is a paddle thats mounted to the dash. To put the car in drive, you step on the brake, pull the paddle toward you and down and the transaxle shifts into drive. Press the park button below the paddle and you're done.
One other handy feature of a car that at this time still has very limited refueling options is the built in navigation system. Built in to the center of dashboard is the nav screen. Like in the current FCX, the system will show you the location of hydrogen filling stations and give you directions to the nearest one when you need fuel. It sure beats driving around aimlessly looking for a place to fill up.
The rest of the interior is very stylish and comfortable. The seats are well shaped and a pleasure to sit in with lots of legroom and headroom even in the back. Due to the coupe-like roof-line, taller passengers have to duck their heads a bit, but once inside they have plenty of room. The rear seats are contoured for two passengers. All the seats and parts of the door panels, tunnel and various other surfaces are upholstered in Honda's new Bio-Fabric that you can read about our previous post. Overall, the level of fit and finish and the appearance is well up the standards of a top of the line Acura, and it would be easy to picture the new FCX as the next step from the RL. Up next in part four, the FCX driving experience.
The body structure of the Honda FCX concept is a combination of a steel lower body structure mated to a carbon-fiber composite upper structure. The production version will switch to an all steel structure to help keep costs down and simplify manufacturing. The steeply raked windshield inevitably means a really long dash board, and the risk of nasty reflections. On a sunny autumn day at Laguna Seca, reflections didn't pose a problem on the concept, hopefully this will be carried over to the production version.
Gallery: The Honda FCX Concept at Laguna Seca
(Continued after the jump)
The dashboard design uses a double deck design similar to the new Civic. The upper part houses a digital speedometer. The lower section visible through the steering wheel has a graphical display comprised of concentric rings of information. In the center is a glowing circle that appears small at idle but steadily grows and changes from blue to yellow as the load on the fuel cell increases. The right hand side shows the fuel level gauge. Click below, to see a short video of the gauge in action.
On the left is the energy gauge. As you press the accelerator, you draw energy from the cell and the battery and the bars grow clockwise around the gauge. As you back off, the gauge returns to the 9 o'clock position and then beyond counter-clockwise into the yellow zone. This region indicates that you're charging the battery via regenerative braking. Finally, to the right of the main gauge cluster is the gear indicator. The actual shifter is a paddle thats mounted to the dash. To put the car in drive, you step on the brake, pull the paddle toward you and down and the transaxle shifts into drive. Press the park button below the paddle and you're done.
One other handy feature of a car that at this time still has very limited refueling options is the built in navigation system. Built in to the center of dashboard is the nav screen. Like in the current FCX, the system will show you the location of hydrogen filling stations and give you directions to the nearest one when you need fuel. It sure beats driving around aimlessly looking for a place to fill up.
The rest of the interior is very stylish and comfortable. The seats are well shaped and a pleasure to sit in with lots of legroom and headroom even in the back. Due to the coupe-like roof-line, taller passengers have to duck their heads a bit, but once inside they have plenty of room. The rear seats are contoured for two passengers. All the seats and parts of the door panels, tunnel and various other surfaces are upholstered in Honda's new Bio-Fabric that you can read about our previous post. Overall, the level of fit and finish and the appearance is well up the standards of a top of the line Acura, and it would be easy to picture the new FCX as the next step from the RL. Up next in part four, the FCX driving experience.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Bob 8:42AM (4/20/2008)
I think several of you out there have hit it on the head. Refuelling costs and mileage, Hydrogen fuel safety. Refuelling after only 200 miles-current refuelling stations don't support that distance (approximately 300) so how are you supposed to run down to get a quick can of fuel if on the highway. And the safety aspect I am sure won't be a hugh issue since it is in the center of the car, nothing like sitting on it eh.
I have one other issue not everyone thinks about though, those really cool looking lumanecent gauges. They will be ok early morning - high noon - and evenings. Not an issue at night. But mid morning and mid afternoon, when the sun is shining in your eyes or over your shoulder really makes them impractical. How many of you have had simular problems seeing these in bright sunlight? Don't get me wrong they are really pretty and cool looking but until they start using sun activated tinted windows, like some personnal glasses work, these type of instrumentation isn't the best way to go. Just my 2 bits.
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Herb Asbury 9:51PM (6/20/2008)
I have high respect for Honda's designs and products, I have owned 2 Accords and my family have owned several. Hybrid concepts yes, but I have my doubts about hydrogen as a practical fuel on the road. I am surprised that HHO is not being chosen by sources like Honda or Toyota, i.e., it is time for water as our fuel!
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Chris M 12:14AM (6/21/2008)
Herb Asbury: Water isn't a fuel for vehicles, but we can make a fuel from water by applying electrical energy (electrolysis) or chemical energy (steam reforming of fossil fuels or reacting with a metal) The energy in the resulting hydrogen fuel comes from those other sources, not from the water. But it would be more efficient and cheaper to use those other forms of energy directly, rather than to make another fuel from them.
Now, there are those making extravagant claims based on fake science, like the so-called "HHO" which is really just an ordinary mixture of H2 and O2. There are always scam artists eager to take advantage of people who are hurting, please don't become one of their victims.
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KC 2:16PM (11/16/2006)
In the next incarnation they should go for a bit more of a traditional sedan shape with a longer nose and rear end. That way they can move the fuel cell stack and associated electronics forward a little bit to make more floor room in the back to make a 5 passenger sedan.
Don't get me wrong though, I love the FCX Concepts futuristic look. Honda is one of the very few companies that can pull off that extreme cab-forward design while maintaining an overall stylish and attractive look to the car. Chrysler never really mastered it.
So, how much of that interior is going to make it into production? Looks fantastic, but if its going to be a luxury model why did they borrow so much gear for the interior from the Honda parts bin (particularly from the current civic - not that there is anything wrong with that) and not the Acura parts bin? Some chrome accents and nicer knobs on the A/C controls would be good.
You said they are going with an all steel body and frame for construction? WHY? I get losing the Carbon Fiber to reduce cost but why no Aluminum body? Cheaper and lighter then steel and does not rust.
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Darin 4:14PM (11/16/2006)
I've done a little bit of searching elsewhere, but didn't find any reference to the car's coefficient of drag. It looks pretty well designed in that regard.
Does your press kit provide any figures?
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A.Brien 9:27PM (11/16/2006)
I think that it's a good idea to encourage this
model from honda as it is the only one to run
on hydrogen that not pollute at all. We can make
hydrogen too with many non-poluting methods.
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Sam Abuelsamid 1:52PM (11/20/2006)
I checked the material and there's no mention of drag coefficient. I'll follow up with Honda and see if I can find out.
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Tim 3:30PM (11/20/2006)
They are pretty aren’t they… We’re addicted alright. We can now use Honda’s brand new crack pipe. Once we shake the Oil addiction, we can enjoy the Hydrogen addiction. Like filtered cigarettes, it’s much cleaner. I know that the saintly energy monopolies will provide all we need… for a price.
B.S. I want to be able to make my own electricity from solar and wind to fuel my electric car. I want to be able to dive over 100 miles between charges. When I want to drive further I can to use my Veggie-Diesel Auxiliary Power Unit generator with fuel that I can grow myself. I want to be able to grow my own fuel if I want to or have thousands of veggie-diesel fuel manufacturers all over the country compete for my business. I know that competition lowers cost and raises quality. I want energy independence.
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Scott 6:43AM (12/28/2006)
Cool.... when will they make it fit in a two seater? Or a retro-fit for a 2005 TBird?
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David Martin 7:19AM (12/28/2006)
I worked for Honda for several years and we designed concept vehicles as we serviced current units. Of course our designs were between ourselves but mysteriously came to be as we had planned. We were usually about 10 years ahead of time.
I'm currently working on a hydrogen engine that decomposes water to hydrogen and oxygen at high tempratures. It's all I can say right now but the concept will eventually allow you to fill up your tank with your garden hose. Imagine that!
I'd like to hear Honda's comments on this one.
David - Previous Honda Service Manager
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JON WYATT 10:56AM (12/28/2006)
If you build it, we will buy!!
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dan belcher 7:55AM (12/28/2006)
i am curious about the 8.8lbs of fuel at 5000 psi. is this a concern during a crash? where can i find information on this issue?
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Everyman 7:55AM (12/28/2006)
I can't wait to buy one.
I got an Insight in 2000.
I am addicted to that car and will drive it til I can get one of these.
Hon-da! Hon-da!
Where is all of the other Everymans?
How can we push the concept quicker into the psychology of the mainstream? Any ideas?
People are still staring at my car at Blockbusters, 6 years later.
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Jim Young 8:17AM (12/28/2006)
2 comments. #1 When will the price be low enough for the middle income to purchase ($50K)? #2 What about the crash test results and the fuel cell safety?
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SherbornSean 8:13AM (12/28/2006)
I am happy for Everyman. He may have a crappy job stocking shelves at Blockbuster, but he has a Honda he can be proud of. That's nice.
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Alan 8:20AM (12/28/2006)
Would like to see the first Racing series with electic cars !
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F.Van Poznak, MD 8:23AM (12/28/2006)
Considering the flammability of hydrogen in gaseous state, what are the safety factors using hydrogen engines and storage of fuel in either liquid or gaseous state?
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Ken Bloom 8:27AM (12/28/2006)
I'm confused ( mostly because of lack of knowledge on this subject ) if these cars were to come out today or 2008 - where would you get fuel on the highways and byways ? I drive 40 t0 60,000 miles per year and just gave up my Honda Accord station wagon with 476,000 miles on it. Would love to turn our dependence and politics with oil around and stop making other countries rich and powerful. Sign me up - esp. if we can some day fill up with our garden hoses ! What a concept !
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Jan K. Nansel 8:28AM (12/28/2006)
I have been waiting. Looks like Honda, as usual, is on the right track. The styling is very good, and yet efficient. I just hope that these vehicles will be affordable and the fuel is not expensive to buy, sooner, than later. When these come out, in mass production, I will be one of those in line to try one out.
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Jaws wife 8:37AM (12/28/2006)
David Martin has the right idea but we will not see a car like his anytime in the near future. The all-powerful 0il moguls, backed by our government and the auto industry, will make every effort to block it's production. Sorry David....either watch your back, or you will be a billionaire by selling the rights to your product.
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