Suzuki cleared to test SX4-FCV in Japan
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The new Subaru Stella plug-in isn't the only Japanese green car making its debut next month at the G8 conference in Hokkaido. Suzuki's in the game as well with a new hydrogen fuel cell version of its SX4 crossover, the SX4-FCV. Fitted with a fuel cell supplied by GM, and a 70 MPa (10,000 psi) storage tank for the H2, the SX4-FCV has a maximum operating range of 250 kilometers and a top speed of 120 km/h (around 75 mph). Power output from the fuel cell is rated at 80 kW, while the motor delivers 68 kW. Road testing has been approved by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and transport, and will commence soon.
[Source: Suzuki]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
A.Brien 4:18PM (6/28/2008)
It looks like fuelcell will hit the market before batteries. It cost less too because it's a simple and reliable technology.
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Chris M 6:51PM (6/28/2008)
A.Brien: Fuel cells cost less? Are you kidding? A 80 Kw fuel cell, at typical $5 per watt fuel cell cost, would be $400,000 give or take a few bucks. The most extravagantly expensive EV, the LiIon Venturi Fetish, was less than that for the entire car!
But I suspect some stats were transposed in the article. It makes no sense to use an 80 Kw fuel cell to power a 68 Kw motor, but since most H2FC cars are hybrids with batteries to provide extra power and store regenerated power, a 80 Kw motor with a 68 Kw fuel cell and 20 Kw battery sounds more reasonable. A 68 Kw fuel cell would also be a bit cheaper, only $340,000
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BillySharps 7:25PM (6/28/2008)
Even the giant, 1000lb battery pack in the Tesla costs around $20,000. Roadster's driving range: 240 miles. This car's driving range: 155 miles. So you'd be paying ~17 times more money for something that can't take you as far and has no fueling infrastructure. Sounds like a logical choice to me.
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A.Brien 10:32PM (6/28/2008)
The cars manufacturers said that they are ready to commercialize fuelcell cars. if it cost so much then it will be impossible to commercialize which they say it's possible then it's the same cost as regular cars.
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idave101 2:10AM (6/29/2008)
"..fuel cell from GM"???
Hello GM. Build one yourself!
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Paolo 4:33PM (6/29/2008)
it's fuel sell, not fuel cell.
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Serge 10:26AM (6/30/2008)
A.Brien: AFAIK no car manufacturer, big or small, has plans to [commercially] offer an FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) to consumers in the foreseeable future.
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A.Brien 2:26PM (7/01/2008)
Serge: Honda is currently leasing the fcev fcx clarity to customer for 600$\month.
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Serge 3:24PM (7/01/2008)
Honda's program is a 3 year lease only, with geographical and customer limitations. I.e., you have to prove to Honda that you are trustworthy of driving a million dollar machine. This is a PR campaign, not a "commercial program".
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