Honda Installs Fast-Refilling Hydrogen Fueling Station

Honda isn’t looking back when it comes to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, and the automaker has opened an advanced, fast-filling hydrogen fueling station at its California campus. This is in anticipation of the 2015 Honda FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), which will roll out in the next year or so.

The next-generation fueling system cuts refilling time of the hydrogen fuel bladder by some 45%, turning refueling into a three minute pit stop for some 300 miles of driving range. The MC Fill system, as Honda is calling it, monitors the temperature output at the dispenser, allowing it to maximize flow and refill the 10,000 psi fuel tank in as little as three minutes. Not even the Tesla Superchargers can match that kind of refill rate, and Honda is going to make a big push in hydrogen fuel technology in the coming years.

Honda is already consolidating its efforts, ending Honda Fit EV production early and killing the Honda Insight hybrid as it shores up its resources to focus on the 2015 FCEV. Honda was leasing the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell for a few years now, and seems ready to put hydrogen fuel cel vehicles on dealership lots…at least in California. The lack of refueling infrastructure means hydrogen cars are going to be limited to a select few areas during their initial launch, much like many electric vehicles.

I’m also expecting/hoping the size of the MC Fill station shrinks considerably, as that’s quite the impressive footprint for a single filling station. As another part of Honda’s increasingly-diverse green portfolio though, this new fueling station should help make the transition from oil to hydrogen a whole lot easier.

Source: Honda

Honda invests $215M in Ohio Earth Dreams production

Honda has announced a $215 million investment in a pair of its Ohio operations, taking its total tally for North American operations up to $2.7 billion in three years. The announcement was made at the 2013 Center For Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City.

$180 million of the investment is earmarked for Honda's Anna, OH engine plant. The money will allow the facility to increase its aluminum die casting and increase production of Honda's Earth Dreams Technologyengines. Think of Earth Dreams as sort of like Mazda's Skyactiv line, only ED is limited to a new line of engines, rather than a full suite of automotive components. Anna will also be getting a new technical center to train engineers, techs, and line workers on powertrain technology.

The remaining $35 million is slated for Honda's main Ohio operations in Marysville. A 160,000-square-foot facility will be constructed near Honda's current properties, which will house another technical training center to focus on automotive manufacturing. The new building will also house Honda's North American Services group, as well as a new heritage center.

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News Source: Honda

IBM, Honda, and PG&E partner on smarter charging for EVs; utilities to communicate charging instructions directly based on grid conditions

IBM has teamed with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on a new pilot project that will allow communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. This project will demonstrate and test an electric vehicle’s ability to receive and respond to charge instructions based on the grid condition and the vehicle’s battery state.

This demonstration combines grid and vehicle data to create an individualized charging plan for Honda’s Fit EV battery electric vehicles (BEV), using IBM’s cloud based software platform. By utilizing the existing in-vehicle communications system in the Honda Fit EV, the electric vehicle can interact with utilities and the grid, creating a direct channel for sending and receiving usage information that could improve local grid management.

Once plugged into a charge post, the Honda Fit EV initiates a charge request via the vehicles telematics system. This request is sent to IBM’s Electric Vehicle Enablement Platform where vehicle data such as battery state and grid data received from PG&E, is combined to create an optimized charge schedule, which is then communicated back to the vehicle in seconds. Using this aggregated data, the vehicle has the intelligence to charge to the level that is needed while factoring any current grid constraints.

Using real time and simulated data, the system will test and demonstrate the ability to alter, as well as adapt charging patterns based on grid conditions. This smart charging capability will enable energy providers to manage the power used by EVs during peak times by instructing vehicles to delay or adjust charging if required.

Additionally, the IBM EV platform can collate historical EV charging data and create a profile that can be used to forecast the location and duration of EV charge loads. For example, the program can determine how many EVs are plugged in one neighborhood and the time it will take for each to reach a full charge. This level of insight will allow utilities to optimize grid operations and help reduce the chance of outages.

By communicating information directly to the vehicle, this project has the potential to significantly improve driver services. For example, the IBM’s cloud based platform could provide charge post location information and availability directly to the EV, using the telematics and Satellite-Linked Navigation to guide the driver to the most convenient place to charge.

This project along with the recently announced EKZ Smartphone Application (app) pilot will help engage consumers and encourage more drivers to “plug in.” The smartphone app shows the vehicles battery level, range of travel distance, vehicle location, and current energy costs in real time. This technology coupled with the ability to communicate directly with charging stations via a GPS system, will offer consumers a “connected” driving experience.

In addition to the two pilot projects, IBM is currently a member of the EcoGrid EU consortium, a group focused on developing an energy grid that uses at least 50% of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, solar energy and biogas.

GS Yuasa will triple Li-ion battery supply to Honda

GS Yuasa Corp. plans to boost lithium-ion battery output for Honda Motor Co.'s hybrid vehicles threefold to 15 million cells by fall 2012.

The production hike will be achieved by expanding and strengthening facilities at a Kyoto plant of Blue Energy Co., a joint venture with Honda, at a total cost of about 10 billion yen.

The plant currently produces 5 million cells a year for the Civic Hybrid sold in North America. Its output capacity will be increased to also supply batteries for a plug-in hybrid that Honda plans to launch in Japan and the US later this year. The capacity hike will give the plant the ability to supply enough lithium ion batteries for 200,000 to 300,000 hybrids and plug-in hybrids a year.

Honda to begin sales of refreshed Insight hybrid and new Freed hybrids in Japan; new Insight Exclusive with 1.5-liter engine joins lineup

The Insight Exclusive. Click to enlarge.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced the newly refreshed Insight hybrid model, accompanied by the new Insight Exclusive model featuring a 1.5-liter engine. Honda will begin sales of both hybrid models at dealerships across Japan on 11 November. Honda also will begin sales of the all-new Freed Hybrid minivan and Freed Spike Hybrid tall wagon at dealerships across Japan on 28 October. The Freed Hybrid and Freed Spike Hybrid will be Japan’s first 5-number class (i.e., compact size) minivan and tall wagon hybrid vehicles.

The monthly combined sales target for the Insight and Insight Exclusive is 1,500 units, with prices (before consumption tax) starting at ¥1,838,096 (US$24,221) for the Insight and ¥1,980,953 (US$26,103) for the Insight Exclusive. The monthly sales target for the Freed series in Japan is 10,000 units, with prices starting at ¥2,046,667 (US$26,969). Honda said that in Japan, more than one-third of registered Honda automobiles are hybrids.

Refreshed Insight. The refreshed Insight offers new exterior styling elements and refined interior. With an upgraded 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine plus IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, the Insight offers fuel economy of 27.2 km/L (64 mpg US, 3.7 L/100km) as measured in JC08 mode and 31.0 km/L (73 mpg US, 3.2 L/100km) as measured in 10·15 mode, while maintaining driving performance.

Sound insulation and absorption materials have been added to increase interior quietness. To maximize handling stability and ride comfort, suspension settings have been updated, and application of VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) is now standard.

Insight Exclusive. The new Insight Exclusive model shares the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with the CR-Z sport hybrid model, but specially tuned for the new Insight Exclusive model. The Insight Exclusive offers fuel economy of 23.2 km/L (54.6 mpg US, 4.3 L/100km) as measured in JC08 mode and 26.5 km/L (62.3 mpg US, 3.8 L/100km) as measured in 10·15 mode.

Exclusive exterior design elements include a premium front grille with integrated LED accessory lights, front bumper, side sill garnishes, a rear bumper diffuser, and a shark fin antenna.

On the Insight Exclusive XL InterNavi Select Type, Honda’s InterNavi + Linkup Free service is standard with a full-segment (12seg/1seg) high-definition terrestrial digital monitor, allowing users to enjoy a wide variety of functions, including HD TV broadcasts.

The Freed Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Freed hybrids. With a combination of advanced packaging technology and Honda’s lightweight, compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, the new models feature one of the best fuel economy ratings among compact minivans and tall wagons, according to Honda: 21.6 km/L (50.8 mpg US, 4.6 L/100km) as measured in JC08 mode and 24.0 km/L (56.5 mpg US, 4.2 L/100km) as measured in 10·15 mode. In addition, all hybrid models and front-wheel-drive gasoline engine models of the refreshed lineup qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax incentives.

The Freed hybrids offer as standard both ECON mode and the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist)o help the driver develop and maintain a fuel-efficient driving style.

The front windshield with sound-insulating glass and added sound insulation and absorption materials in the body contribute to interior quietness. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which contributes to stable driving and reduced driver’s burden, and Hill Start Assist are both standard.

In the Freed Hybrid, the seat legs have been specially designed to accommodate the extra floor height required for the IMA battery, resulting in cabin space equal to that of the gasoline-engine Freed. In the Freed Spike Hybrid, the reversible cargo floor panels have been specially designed to accommodate the extra floor height required for the IMA battery, resulting in cargo area space in full flat mode equal to that of the gasoline-engine Freed Spike.

Freed and Freed Spike gasoline-engine models will also become available on October 28. Furthermore, Honda will launch a new range of Freed special-needs vehicles on 25 November, including a wheelchair-accessible model with a newly developed electric winch, a side lift-up seat model, and a passenger lift-up seat model.

Source: Green Car Congress

Honda develops new 700cc and 125cc engines and dual clutch transmission for two-wheelers

Newly developed 700cc engine (second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission). Click to enlarge.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has developed new 700cc and 125cc engines for two-wheelers, as well as an accompanying lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency.

700cc. This new engine is a liquid-cooled, 700cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine that fits into the mid-class range (displacement between 500 and 750cc) popular in Europe. Fuel economy exceeds 27 km/L (3.7 L/100km, 63.5 mpg US) WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle) mode by Honda’s calculation and achieves an approximate 40% improvement over other sports models in its class.

This new engine will be mounted on three models based on different concepts, which are slated for exhibition at EICMA2011 (69^th International Motorcycle Exhibition) to be held in November in Milan, Italy.

Development of the new engine was performed to meet these requirements:

• An engine that is easy to handle with plentiful torque in the range normally used, and which also delivers a pleasant, throbbing feel during sporty rides.

• Top-class, fuel-efficient environmental performance best suited for the next-generation mid-class engine.

• A lightweight, compact design that allows more freedom in the body layout and provides highly convenient space.

Honda determined the engine layout after examining a variety of engine types from numerous perspectives and decided on an in-line, 700cc, 2-cylinder engine with a 62° forward lean (cylinder assembly angle). To meet a wide variety of uses, two transmissions can be coupled with this engine: the second generation of Honda’s innovative Dual Clutch Transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission.

The new engine incorporates a wide variety of low friction technologies that aid better fuel economy. To improve fuel efficiency through better-controlled combustion while realizing a powerful ride in the low- to mid-rpm ranges, the bore-stroke ratio is set at 73×80mm. An optimized combustion chamber shape and optimum valve timing also contribute to achieve stable combustion. Resin coating is applied to the pistons, and lightweight aluminum material is employed for the first time in a motorcycle in the friction-reducing roller rocker arm.

Adoption of uneven-interval firing with a 270° phase crank and uniaxial primary balancer help realize an engine with a pleasant throbbing feel that also reduces vibration.

The layout of a branch intake port inside the cylinder head was chosen to have only one intake channel for two cylinders. This design creates deliberate interference between the two cylinders’ intake processes to achieve precisely calculated changes to combustion timing.

In addition, to change the valve timing between the two in-line cylinders with one camshaft, the specifications provide for a cam with two timing routines for the intake valve. Through these measures, subtle combustion changes can be generated to give the engine a delightful, pulsating feel.

To maximize the efficiency of exhaust aftertreatment so that the three-way catalyst can be started promptly after the engine starts, the TWC has been placed directly beneath the exhaust ports. This design lets the combustion gas pass through the catalyst while the gas is still hot. In addition, a combination of measures, including the adoption of an electronically-controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI), allows the engine to achieve an emission level approximately half the European emission standards (Euro 3).

2nd generation Dual Clutch Transmission. Click to enlarge.

Second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission. The Dual Clutch Transmission, developed for the first time by Honda for motorcycles and installed on the VFR1200F, is now lighter and more compact through a simplified hydraulic circuit and other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift control. Although it is an automatic transmission, the Dual Clutch Transmission delivers fuel economy on a par with manual transmissions as a result of its transmission efficiency, Honda says.

125cc global-standard engine (cut-away model). Click to enlarge.

125cc. The new 125c engine is developed for next-generation 125cc scooters and accommodates an advanced idle stop system for motorcycles. Fuel economy is approximately 25% better than that of conventional engines for scooters with the same displacement, according to Honda. This liquid-cooled, 125cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine incorporates a wide range of low-friction technologies while packing its lighter weight in a more compact body.

This new engine will be mounted on a variety of 125cc scooters to be sold in many countries around the world and is planned for global rollout starting from 2012.

Development was performed to meet these requirements:

• Powerful output and greater durability with an emphasis on practicality.

• Excellent fuel efficiency suitable for the next-generation global-standard engine.

• Contributing to CO₂ reduction on a worldwide scale by applying to global models.

• Realizing an affordable price.

Low-friction technologies such as an offset cylinder and a roller rocker arm are supplemented by such techniques as intelligent control to lessen friction during power generation and the first adoption of a shell-type needle bearing for the rocker arm shaft. Low-friction technologies applied include:

• Offset cylinder reduces friction caused by the contact between the sliding piston and the cylinder.

• Piston weight has been thoroughly reduced through CAE analysis.

• A spiny sleeve with minute spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeve has been adopted to reduce oil consumption and improve cooling performance.

• A shell-type needle bearing is used for the rocker arm shaft to reduce friction.

• Smaller and lighter rollers together with an optimized cam profile and valve spring load.

• Radiator core with high cooling efficiency has been adopted (approximately 1.5 times the efficiency of current models). This enables a smaller and lighter cooling fan on the back of the radiator and reduces friction loss by approximately 30%.

• Transmission oil capacity is reduced 25% compared to current 125cc engines through modifications inside the transmission case in order to lower the oil agitation loss.

• Bearings for each of the three axes in the transmission unit are exclusively designed according to the load received, resulting in an optimal set of specifications that lessen the rolling resistance inside the bearings. Friction loss has been cut by approximately 20% compared to the current engine (when running at 50km/h).

To increase combustion efficiency, Honda used a compact combustion chamber design incorporating burning velocity and cooling performance suitable for an engine that emphasizes torque characteristics in the rpm ranges actually used by a 125cc scooter.

Another step in this area includes redesigning the air intake port connection to the combustion chamber into a smoother shape that does not impede the flow of the fuel-air mixture. Optimal ignition timing is set due to improved knocking resistance created by a highly efficient radiator and a water jacket that efficiently cools the combustion chamber.

A smooth and quiet start has been realized through an electronically-controlled ACG starter, which serves as both a self-starter and a dynamo. An advanced idle stop system has also been applied.

A swing-back that returns the crank to its position before air intake is electronically controlled for easy restart, while a decompression mechanism mitigates cranking resistance arising from compression during engine start.

A wide-ratio continuously variable transmission with V-belt (V-Matic) utilizes a drive belt made of newly developed high-elasticity rubber. Both fuel efficiency and quietness are achieved through the efficient transmission of driving force by optimizing the lateral pressure applied to the belt, along with the durability of the belt.

Source: Green Car Congress

Honda invests $355 million in mpg-increasing wind tunnel, other upgrades at Ohio sites

Honda Motors is making $355 million worth of upgrades at two facilities in Ohio and has opened its first-ever U.S. wind tunnel. The end goal here is to eke out more fuel efficiency gains from vehicles designed, built and sold in North America.

The Ohio projects for the first Japanese automaker to manufacture vehicles in the U.S. include $166 million of improvements to its factory in East Liberty and a $64 million stamping press at its Marysville site, according to Ron Lietzke, spokesman for Honda's assembly division. Honda didn't disclose the cost of the wind tunnel or other specific modifications that will be made to its engineering center in East Liberty.

Lietzke says the upgrades will "improve all our characteristics," even though boosting output is not the main goal. Lietzke did say that, "If we end up increasing production capacity as a result, that's fine."

Honda is refurbishing its factories as it prepares to return to full production in North America next month following parts shortages triggered by Japan's March quake that left the company with only a limited amount of vehicles to sell.



Source: Autoblog Green

Honda Starts Electric Vehicle Testing Program with Kumamoto Prefecture

Honda was one of the last major auto makers to get on board with electric vehicles but now that they have made their decision, they are jumping in feet first. For years, Honda had stuck tenaciously to its Clarity fuel cell car, thinking the hydrogen powered automobile was the future.

Press Release

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its plan on the ongoing cooperation with Kumamoto Prefecture on Electric Vehicle Testing Program for next-generation personal mobility products, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric scooters and electric carts. The specifics of the testing program, testing vehicles and solar-powered charging stations have also been revealed at Honda's Kumamoto Factory.

Conducted in real-world urban transportation environments, the program will focus on motorcycles, automobiles and power products based on electromotive technologies. The comprehensive program will also use advanced communications & telematics and solar-powered charging technologies to explore future forms of personal mobility and their potential of CO₂ emissions reduction.


On August 5, 2010, Honda and Kumamoto Prefecture entered into a comprehensive agreement to perform testing of next-generation mobility within the prefecture (agreement period: August 2010-March 2013). Based on this agreement, Honda has already begun testing the Monpal ML200 electric cart with the cooperation of Kumamoto City starting in October 2010. Additional testing programs will take place in Kumamoto City, Minamata City, Aso and Amakusa areas to further help realize a low-carbon mobility society in the future. The program will study the following:

	The practicality and convenience of electromotive technology featured on next-generation personal mobility products, including Honda's EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the EV-neo electric scooter and the Monpal ML200 electric cart.
	The effectiveness of solar power generation and other renewable energy sources in helping to realize a low-carbon mobility society.
	The potential of next-generation personal mobility to enhance the QOL (quality of life) of residents in local communities.

Earlier on December 15, 2010, Honda announced its Electric Vehicle Testing Programs in the United States (Torrance, California) and with Saitama Prefecture on December 20. In addition to Japan and the United States, Honda is also considering the possibility of conducting a similar program in China.

Testing vehicles and solar-powered charging station

[Electric Vehicle Testing Program in Kumamoto Prefecture]
Kumamoto Prefecture, its cooperating municipalities, the Kumamoto Industrial Federation, Kumamoto University, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. and Honda have formed a Next-Generation Mobility Testing Program Implementation Committee, which will explore the potential QOL benefits of next-generation personal mobility. To help contribute to the expansion of EVs and plug-in hybrid use, the committee will also explore future programs and locations within Kumamoto Prefecture. The following are the program objectives for each city:

	Kumamoto City
		Evaluate the QOL benefits of sharing Monpal ML200 electric carts at facilities for senior citizens using quantifiable data:
		・	Shared use among residents of senior citizens' home located near the heart of the city.
		・	Personal use of Monpal to senior citizens for commuting to a suburban health and welfare facility.
		・	Short-term rental to residents and/or visitors to senior care facilities.
		Rental program of EV-neo scooters to local residents and tourists to study its convenience of use and benefits. In addition, provide EV-neo to high school students to familiarize them with motorcycles and EVs as well as study their use in their school route.
		Identify optimal locations for EV charging stations on prefectural facilities and other properties.
	Minamata City
		Rental program of EV-neo scooters to local residents and tourists to study its convenience of use and benefits, and identify optimal locations for EV charging stations on prefectural facilities and other properties.
	Aso area
		Rental program of EV-neo scooters and plug-in hybrid vehicles to tourists to study its convenience of use and benefits.
	Amakusa area
		Study the convenience of use and benefits of EVs as local transportation on the island.

[Electric Vehicle Testing Program vehicles]
In addition to zero-emission electric vehicles, scooters and carts, the testing program will also include Honda's plug-in hybrid vehicles, which combine a gasoline engine with two high-output electric motors.

		Electric vehicle (EV):
		Based on the popular Fit that is known for its compact, maneuverable body and superior utility, this vehicle features a coaxial motor and other electromotive technologies developed for the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, combined with a Toshiba-produced lithium-ion battery. Charging with a 200-volt power source takes less than six hours, and vehicle driving range exceeds 160 km.
		Plug-in hybrid vehicle:
		Based on the platform of the Inspire mid-size sedan, this vehicle features a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine and two high-output electric motors, specially developed for this system. The vehicle can be operated in three drive modes: all-electric, gasoline-electric hybrid and engine drive modes. The lithium-ion battery is manufactured by Blue Energy, and the vehicle's all-electric mode driving range is 15 to 25 km.
		Electric Sccoter (EV-neo):
		Honda made the EV-neo electric scooter available for lease today in Japan to companies that make short-range deliveries and also to individual business owners.
		Electric Cart (Monpal ML200):
		Firstly launched in 2006, this stylish, comfortable and easy-to-ride 4-wheel electric cart with great stability will also be used as a testing vehicle. The Monpal used in this testing program will add a recording device capable of storing a variety of vehicle operation and performance data.

Major specifications of program vehicles (EV and plug-in hybrid)

	EV	Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
Engine	—	2.0L in-line 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle i-VTEC engine
Transmission	—	ECVT
Motor	Coaxial electric motor (same as in FCX Clarity)	Two-motor system (drive, generation/regeneration)
Max. motor output	92 kW	120 kW
Battery type, manufacturer	Lithium-ion battery, Toshiba	6 kWh lithium-ion battery, Blue Energy
EV range	Over 160 km	25 km (JC08 mode)
EV max. speed	144 km/h	100 km/h
Charge time	100 V: under 12 h 200 V: under 6 h Rapid charger: 30 min. (80%)	100 V: under 4 h 200 V: under 1.5 h

Major specifications of program vehicles (EV-neo, Monpal ML200)

	EV-neo	Monpal ML200
Motor	DC brushless motor	DC brushless motor
Max. motor output	2.8 kW	—
Battery type, manufacturer	Lithium-ion battery, Toshiba	Valve-regulated lead-acid battery, Panasonic
EV range	Over 34 km (as tested at 30 km/h on flat road)	Approx. 25 km (6 km/h on level ground)
Charge time	100 V, regular charger: approx. 3.5 h 200 V, rapid charger: approx. 0.5 h	100 V: approx. 9 h

[Solar-powered charging station]
Located inside Honda’s Kumamoto Factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, this charging station features a solar-powered generating system manufactured by Honda Soltec. Honda will use the station in combination with advanced communications & telematics to test a wide variety of program objectives.

Solar-powered charging station (schematic)

[Advanced communications and telematics]
Using the InterNavi Premium Club services, Honda's information network for automobiles, Honda will test charging station communications to improve customer convenience and safety. Using this support tool, a customer can search for charging stations, set destinations, confirm various vehicle conditions and access other information by using either a smartphone or a car navigation screen.


Even when away from the test vehicle, a customer can view a map on their smartphone of how far the vehicle can drive on its remaining battery charge, and also search for charging stations within that area. The customer can then select a charging station from the search results, forward the station information to the vehicle via the InterNavi Information Center, and set the station destination on the navigation screen. The navigation system will then guide the customer to the charging destinations.

[Smartphone display examples]

Check the remaining batteries		Drive range area 1		Drive range area 2