With the addition of the Accord Hybrid, Honda increases to three the number of models featuring its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology, including two of America's most popular cars - the Honda Civic and Honda Accord. Honda was the first automaker to introduce gas-electric hybrid technology to American consumers when it launched the Honda Insight in December 1999, followed by the Civic Hybrid in March 2002. Together, the Insight and Civic Hybrid captured four of the top five slots in the EPA 2004 fuel economy ratings.
Breakthrough Honda Fuel Cell Stack
Furthering Honda's efforts to make hydrogen power a reality, the company has developed its own fuel cell stack and will introduce a version of its FCX fuel cell vehicle powered by the Honda FC Stack beginning in calendar year 2005.
This advanced new fuel cell stack is a compact unit that delivers higher performance with increased range and fuel efficiency and is designed to operate at temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). Cold-weather starting and operation is one of the most significant technical barriers to the mass-market application of fuel cell technology. Honda claims its originally developed FC stack is the world's first fuel cell stack to feature a stamped metal separator structure combined with newly developed electrolyte membranes for improved efficiency, recycleability, and operation over a greater range of temperatures.
Honda is conducting extensive trials of the FC Stack, including public road evaluations in the U.S. and Japan, in preparation for its introduction next year in the Honda FCX, the first and only fuel cell vehicle certified by the EPA and California Air Resources Board for regular commercial use.
Honda has long been a pioneer in the development and application of leading edge environmental technologies including the first Low Emissions (LEV) and Ultra-Low Emissions (ULEV) vehicles and the first commercially certified fuel cell vehicle. Today, all Honda and Acura models sold in the U.S. deliver LEV or better emissions performance, while more than 80 percent meet ULEV standards.