Honda FCX (2007) CAR review

So how does it work?

That full rear end is designed to accommodate the large and heavily reinforced hydrogen tank but also leave a decent boot and rear seat space. It feeds a new-design vertical fuel cell stack between the front seats which now weighs just a third as much as Honda’s last effort; it has been making them since 1999, don't forget. The electricity the cell produces turns an electric motor in the nose and two small in-wheel motors in the rears; all the motors are tiny, allowing that dainty nose. But the FCX is also a hybrid; regenerative braking captures the energy that would otherwise be lost and uses it to charge an expensive but lightweight lithium-ion battery, as used in the Tesla Roadster and your laptop. This gives the FCX its impressive range. Only pure water comes from the tailpipe.

And how does it drive?

In some respects like a normal car, which is good news. The AC electric motors deliver their torque instantly, making the FCX feel quicker than its 10-second 0-60mph time. There’s strong grip, meaty and direct steering and tight body control; this is no concept-special but a car plainly designed to be driven. But like other fuel-cell or electric vehicles it’s eerily silent; with only the occasional sigh from the electric motor up front, and a gurgle from the fuel cell beside you as it clears itself of water. It takes some getting used to.