Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - San Francisco and Honda to Partner on Fuel Cell Car Program

San Francisco,CA -- American Honda announced today that it will supply two Honda FCX hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles, the world's first commercially certified fuel cell car, to the City of San Francisco. This makes San Francisco one of the first U.S. cities to commit to the use of Honda's advanced fuel cell technology in pursuit of improved air quality and energy sustainability.

"We're very pleased to have San Francisco as a customer for Honda fuel cell technology," said Gunnar Lindstrom, senior manager of Alternative Fuel Programs for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We applaud the vision and commitment that the leaders of this City have demonstrated by investing in the environment and hydrogen power."

The City of San Francisco will add two Honda FCX fuel cell cars to its fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The City also intends to create hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support regular daily operation of the vehicles by city employees.

"This is a very exciting day for the city of San Francisco as it takes a leadership role by putting hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles into practical, everyday use," said Mayor Brown. "San Francisco's commitment to becoming a hydrogen city is being realized today with the addition of Honda fuel cell vehicles to the city fleet."

The hydrogen-powered Honda FCX is the only fuel cell vehicle to earn full certification by both the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for everyday commercial use. The FCX is also distinguished by being the first fuel cell vehicle to earn a place in the EPA fuel economy ratings (51city/48highway).

"San Francisco has more than 700 advanced technologies vehicles in the City's fleet and one of the nations largest alternative fuel infrastructures," said Jared Blumenfeld, Director of the Department of the Environment. "Adding the Honda hydrogen-powered fuel cell car is the next critical milestone in our evolution towards non-polluting vehicles. Over the next few years we hope to provide a model for other cities wanting to make hydrogen fuel cells a reality."

The FCX uses fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity with water and heat as the only byproducts. The vehicle is driven by an electric motor with power assist provided by a Honda-developed ultra-capacitor.

As part of its efforts to bring fuel cell technology to the market, Honda plans to place about 30 fuel cell cars in the U.S. and Japan over the next three years. Honda undertook fuel cell research in 1989 and has been road testing vehicles in the United States since 2000. Honda has also been a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership based in Sacramento, Calif., since 1999.