I would like to get one when my current 2008 Accord is 10 yrs
old, i.e. in 2018, provided it is affordable. If the thing (plus the
car) is > ~$40K, it will probably be too costly. Gasoline is still the
most energy-rich fuel available, and it is much cheaper than
hydrogen, unless the Honda device is a lot more efficient than
most hydrolysis devices. The fuel cell car would still need > 200
km (120 mi.) range to be useful for most people, though.
Honda said Tuesday that it has started operation of a next generation solar hydrogen station prototype. This home fueling system is designed to refuel fuel cell electric vehicles.
Here’s the way it works: The single unit fits in a garage and produces enough hydrogen in an 8-hour overnight fill for a daily commute in a fuel cell vehicle.
Honda said it simplified the previous hydrogen station, which required and electrolyzer and compressor to create high pressure hydrogen. The latest version ditches the compressor completely. By eliminating the compressor, Honda’s solar hydrogen station is 25 percent more efficient than the old one.
Among other key details:
- Honda’s solar hydrogen station is compatible with smart grids;
- Users could refill the vehicle without storing hydrogen;
- The station could export power to the grid when not in use;
- The station is powered by a 48-panel 6.0KW solar array;
- The home system is designed to complement so-called “fast fill” hydrogen stations, which fuel up in 5 minutes.
Honda is betting on hydrogen cars and fueling is the biggest hangup. With a combination of overnight home systems and fast fill public stations a network of hydrogen fueling areas could be created. What are your thoughts on hydrogen vehicles. Can the infrastructure be put in place and would you buy a home fueling system?
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