Honda presents FC module with 150 kW

Honda has announced the specifications for its next-generation fuel cell module, production of which is scheduled to begin in 2027. Compared to the current generation, costs have been halved, durability has more than doubled, and volumetric power density has more than tripled.

When making these comparisons, Honda refers to the fuel cell generation developed jointly with General Motors. It has been used since last year, for example, in the CR-V e:FCEV. The H2 SUV has been rolling off the production line in the US since June 2024.The fuel cell has an output of 92.2 kW – you can read more details about the car here.

Honda has now unveiled the next generation at the 23rd International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo (H2 & FC EXPO), which is currently taking place in the Japanese capital Tokyo. With an output of 150 kW, the new FC module is slightly more powerful than the system in the CR-V e:FCEV, but there have been no major leaps in development in terms of performance. The new generation is said to be characterised by “half of the production cost and more than double the durability compared to the current model,” Honda says. “Moreover, the module was downsized by increasing the volumetric power density by more than three times, which increased the flexibility of installation layouts.”

The latter point is particularly interesting: while there were significant improvements in cost and durability from the first generation from the 2016 Honda Clarity to the fuel cell from the CR-V e:FCEV, the volumetric energy density remained the same in the 2024 generation. Now a tripling is said to have been achieved.

Shortly before the H2 & FC EXPO, Toyota also presented its new generation of fuel cells. While Toyota only made relative comparisons with the current generation, Honda also provided specific technical data. The module measures 730x580x700 millimetres, i.e. it has a volume of 300 litres and weighs 250 kilograms. Measured against the output of 150 kW, this corresponds to a volumetric energy density of 0.5 kW/litre and a gravimetric energy density of 0.6 kW/kg. The system can deliver an output voltage in the range between 450 and 850 volts and can be operated at temperatures between -30 and +60 degrees Celsius – or at a maximum altitude of 3,500 metres.

In addition to the new generation of fuel cells, which will be built in Japan starting in 2027 and used in vehicles, Honda also presented a fuel cell power generator at the H2 & FC EXPO. It still uses the fuel cell generation from the CR-V e:FCEV. These are offered in 250 kW units, up to four units can be connected in series – for 1 MW system output. According to Honda, the generator is intended to supply power to large facilities such as factories or offices. To be suitable as an emergency power generator, the system should be able to start supplying power within ten seconds of starting.

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