Honda Motor Co. has unveiled its next-generation fuel cell module, claiming it costs half as much to produce and is more than twice as durable as the current model.
The Japanese auto giant is independently developing the 150kW module to replace its current model, which is produced in a joint venture with General Motors (GM).
Honda says the new PEM system’s manufacturing costs will be half those of the current model. It will also more than double its durability and increase its volumetric power density by “more than three times.”
According to the firm’s specifications, the module will offer a maximum efficiency of 59.8% with a volumetric density of 0.5kW/litre and a total volume of 300 litres.
Mass production of the new module is tabled for 2027.
The company’s first-generation module was introduced in 2016, primarily for use in its Clarity fuel cell car. This was replaced by its current system, developed with GM for use in the CR-V fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
Honda’s current CR-V fuel cell system, introduced in 2024, has a volumetric power density of 0.16 kW/L, meaning the new module could offer more than three times the energy density in the same space
Read more:GM and Honda begin mass hydrogen fuel cell production
© Honda
However, Honda has suggested it could move away from a pure hydrogen car focus by “expanding domains for application of the system and sales regions.”
In addition to the module, Honda plans to mass produce a fuel cell power generator from 2026 to provide electricity from hydrogen to “large facilities such as factories and offices.”
The 250kW generator, co-developed with GM, will start up in just 10 seconds. Up to four units can be linked in series, delivering a total of 1MW.
Get up to speed on hydrogen with Class of H2
At a time when hydrogen is the new gold rush for so many investors and start-ups alike, and the skills gap risks becoming the skills gulf, H2 View’s Class of H2 presents a series of hydrogen training modules.
Our first masterclass is created to bring your hydrogen fundamentals up-to-speed, covering the basics, e-fuels and ammonia, low-carbon and green hydrogen production, turquoise hydrogen production, biomass pathways, and underground hydrogen storage.
To book your on-demand training session, click here. Or you can reach out to the Class of H2 team at +44 1872 225031 or [email protected].
