The Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on 17 November, followed by an announcement that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

The next-generation Honda FCV is intended to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300 miles (483 km).

The Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda’s next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the US following its introduction in Japan, which is scheduled to occur by March 2016. The interior takes advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people. As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines.

The original Honda FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX also was the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the US and Japan in December 2002. Additional Honda fuel-cell vehicle firsts include:

• The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
• The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).
• With the FCX Clarity, Honda was the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).
• Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).