The General Motors and Honda announced today a long-term agreement for the joint development of next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies, with timeframe of 2020. The success of the collaboration will be based on sharing expertise, economies of scale and strategic use of common resources.
GM and Honda plans to work with stakeholders on the further development of refueling infrastructure, which is critical in terms of long term sustainability and wider acceptance of fuel cell vehicles.
GM and Honda are considered leaders in fuel cell technology. According to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (Index Clean Energy Patent Growth), GM and Honda ranked at No. 1 and No. 2 positions, respectively, with the total number of fuel cell patents filed between 2002 and 2012 to more than 1,200. The Dan Akerson, Chairman & CEO of GM said:
This cooperation is based on the strengths of Honda and GM as a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology. We are convinced that this is the best way forward an important technology that can help reduce dependence on oil and the establishment of sustainable mobility.
The Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said:
Of all the technologies zero emissions of CO2, electric fuel cell vehicles have a particular advantage in range and refueling time not far from conventional gasoline vehicles. Honda and GM is eager to accelerate the market penetration of this absolutely cleantech movement and I am thrilled with the signing of the agreement to have the combination of our leading fuel cell technologies and the creation of an advanced, more efficient and more affordable system.
As previously announced, Honda plans to launch its successor FCX Clarity in Japan and the U.S. in 2015 and then in Europe. GM will announce later plans to produce fuel cells.
The fuel cell technology answers some of the major challenges currently facing the automotive – dependence on oil, emissions, efficiency, autonomy and time refueling. Fuel cell vehicles can run on hydrogen from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Only emission fuel cell vehicles is water vapor.
In addition, fuel cell vehicles can have a range of up to 400 miles and refueled in three minutes, while this drive technology has applicability to small, medium and large models.
