Honda yesterday showed off its new hydrogen-powered car at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which is currently under way in Detroit, US.

The next-generation Honda FCV Concept showcases the exterior and interior styling evolution of Honda’s next zero emissions fuel-cell vehicle, which is due to be launched in Japan in March 2016, followed by the US and Europe.

The car will feature a spacious cabin with seating for five passengers, a driving range estimated to be in excess of 300 miles, and an anticipated refuelling time of approximately three minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa. 

Its fuel cell stack, which fits entirely under the bonnet, is 33 percent smaller with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to that in the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity.

As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the car features a low, wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the four-seater FCX Clarity. 

The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan last November, followed by an announcement at that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel in the US, with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refuelling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

The debut of this latest concept car continues more than a decade of Honda leadership in fuel-cell vehicle technology. 

The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002, going on to become the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle when it was introduced to the US and Japan in December 2002. 

In 2003 the FCX became the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures, and the first FCV to be leased to an individual customer, in 2005. Honda’s commitment to fuel-cell development was further underlined in 2008 when it became the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles, and the first to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network.