Honda and THINK unveil next generation solar-powered hydrogen generating and fueling station

Last week Honda switched on a prototype solar-powered hydrogen filling station at its Los Angeles research centre capable of producing enough hydrogen during an overnight 8-hour fill to power a fuel cell electric vehicle for a typical day’s driving. The prototype is designed to fit in the user’s garage and is significantly more compact and 25% more efficient than existing solar hydrogen stations.

Honda has managed to reduce the size of the unit by removing the separate compressor and electrolyzer and replacing it with a single high differential pressure electrolyzer.

The hydrogen filling station, which employs a 48 panel 6 kW solar array, is also smart grid compatible and could export excess solar power back to the electricity grid during peak daytime hours.

Meanwhile, earlier the week Norwegian electric carmaker THINK has announced plans to work with AeroVironment to develop a level III fast-charging system for its City car.

“THINK and AeroVironment are setting a new standard for extremely quick re-charging – zero to 80% in just 15 minutes,” said THINK CEO Richard Canny at the Washington Auto Show. “This is a major leap forward for electric vehicles. The development and deployment of very-fast-charge stations will help speed the electrification of automobiles in the US and globally,” he added.

The THINK City car, which will start manufacture in Indiana next year, will have a top speed of 70 mph and a range of 100 miles. The vehicle is already being produced in Finland for testing in Europe.

The company announced earlier this year that the lithium-ion batteries for all its US electric vehicles and 60% of its European vehicles will be supplied by US company EnerDel.