Honda is understood for its small automobiles. However there’s nothing small concerning the firm’s newest idea. It is a semi-truck infused with hydrogen gas cells, merely dubbed the Class 8 Hydrogen Gasoline Cell Truck Idea. Honda will showcase it, together with different fuel-cell automobiles, on the Superior Clear Transportation Expo in Las Vegas on Could 20.
The truck is a totally purposeful demonstrator designed to showcase Honda’s present hydrogen tech. It carries three fuel-cell programs, every able to producing 80 kilowatts. That is 240 kW of mixed power, powering an unknown variety of electrical motors. Honda says the truck has an estimated high velocity of 70 mph, and might journey 400 miles earlier than refueling. It is price noting the vary applies to a totally loaded truck/trailer combo weighing 82,000 kilos.
Whereas the truck is an idea, the gas cells aren’t. They’re new mass-production objects at the moment being constructed on the joint Honda-Basic Motors plant in Michigan. With this truck, Honda hopes to seize the pursuits of potential companions to assist pursue a hydrogen-fueled future.
“Industrial automobiles, together with Class 8 vans, the place gas cells provide the perfect zero-emission substitute for current diesel functions, are a key a part of Honda’s broad hydrogen enterprise technique,” stated Ryan Harty, Honda assistant vice chairman of sustainability and enterprise growth. “Honda is actively searching for enterprise collaborations and clients to assist carry these hydrogen gas cell options to market right here in North America.”
Honda takes possession of the idea with its gas cell internals, however the truck is definitely a Peterbilt. To our eye, it seems to be like a 579EV—a battery electrical rig with a pair of e-axles and a spread of 150 miles. Honda makes no point out of Peterbilt in its announcement, and pictures present Peterbilt badges faraway from the idea. It is unclear if there’s any co-development taking place between the 2 manufacturers; we contacted Honda for clarification, and we’ll present an replace if extra info turns into obtainable.
