As a manufacturer that prides itself on innovation and being at the forefront of revolutions in automotive technology, it’s no surprise that Honda is leading the way in seeking to develop cars that protect the environment instead of damaging it. Honda has been working tirelessly toward a future that involves motor vehicles with zero carbon emissions, and its range of alternate fuel vehicles grows each year. Sustainability and better fuel economy don’t just equate to hybrid cars. Keep reading for all the facts on Honda’s exciting range of alternate fuel options.
Fuel-Cell Electric
Fuel cells generate electricity as a result of a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas enters the fuel cell at an anode, where the gas becomes ionized and combines with oxygen to produce electricity that can power an engine. The byproducts of this chemical reaction are water and heat, which means that fuel-cell vehicles produce zero harmful emissions from the tailpipe.
Honda has developed the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, which is a stylish five-passenger car that is powered entirely by a hydrogen fuel cell. This vehicle has a range of over 300 miles* and only takes between three and five minutes to charge, making it a wonderful alternative fuel option. Producing the hydrogen gas required to power fuel-cell vehicles can cause emissions, but these emissions are at least 30 percent lower than gasoline-powered cars.
Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles currently represent the most popular source of alternative fuel choices. In essence, a hybrid car is a simple concept — it is a car that has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, each of which can power it. In addition to reducing dependence on the gasoline engine by switching to electric when possible, the energy used during braking in a hybrid car is retained by a battery, reducing the need to plug it in and recharge it. The end result is a motor vehicle that has a substantially reduced impact on the environment due to reduced emissions and less wasted energy.
A great example of a hybrid car is the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid that delivers impressive fuel economy of 49 mpg**.
Battery Electric
Battery electric vehicles are powered solely by electric motors. These cars work by utilizing rechargeable lithium batteries to propel the electric motor. The lithium batteries are similar to those found in modern smartphones and laptops, among other popular consumer electronic devices. Rechargeable batteries produce zero emissions from the tailpipe, making them an extremely environmentally friendly alternative fuel option.
A major challenge for manufacturers is the fact that driving ranges tend to be quite short, which leads to frequent recharging that often takes quite a while to complete. Battery technology is improving by the year, though, and the Honda Fit EV charges fully in as little as three hours, while also delivering a stellar level of efficiency at 118 mpge** combined.
The future looks bright for environmentally friendly cars, and as technology improves, you can expect to see fewer gasoline cars on the roads and more innovative alternative fuel vehicles such as the selection offered by Honda.
*Fueling time varies with hydrogen-fueling pressure and ambient temperature.
**69 city/67 highway/68 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 366-mile driving range rating. Based on 2017 EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and driving range will vary based on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, powertrain condition and other factors