Honda FCEV Concept to Make World Debut in LA

Honda just announced that it will debut a concept hinting at the future of its fuel-cell electric vehicle set to launch in 2015 during next week’s L.A. Auto Show.

Releasing a teaser sketch, the Japanese brand says its FCEV Concept is meant as a preview of futuristic and aerodynamic designs bound for its next fuel-cell electric car. Currently, the company sells its FCX Clarity fuel cell car in California. Toyota and Hyundai are also working to bring out fuel cell vehicles. Last week, Toyota revealed its FCV fuel cell vehicle ahead of its Tokyo Motor Show debut.

Virtually non-existent infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges fuel cell vehicles will face. There currently are only a handful of fueling stations for hydrogen vehicles and automakers will need to co-operate for there to be any chance at the technology finding mass market success.

2013 LA Auto Show Preview

“The Honda FCEV Concept demonstrates the company’s vision for the future of personal mobility and our commitment to developing advanced alternative fuel vehicles,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As we work toward the introduction of our next-generation fuel-cell vehicle in 2015, our long-term experience with fuel-cell technologies will help us pave a way towards a zero-emissions future.”

Currently, there are about two-dozen customers driving an FCX Clarity, Honda said. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles present advantages over electric cars like the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model S because they don’t rely on charging through an electrical outlet. Instead, they can be refueled with hydrogen in about the same time as a gasoline-powered car.

Honda also revealed today that it will announce further enhancements for the 2014 Civic during the L.A. Auto Show next week without offering any other details.

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