To solidify its intention to expand its hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) business, Honda will debut an operational Class 8 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept at the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo on 20th May. The expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from 20th-23rd May.
The concept vehicle serves a dual purpose – it is Honda’s demonstration project to highlight the manufacturing of future fuel cell-powered products for the North American market and it will allow the Japanese automaker to attract new business partners for its hydrogen business expansion. This approach is in line with the brand’s aim to achieve a global goal of zero environmental impact, including carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050.
For those wondering what Class 8 means, it is the heaviest class of trucks in the United States, based on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A Class 8 truck means its GVWR is over 14,969kg. As per the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) broader classification, it is also referred to as a ‘Heavy Duty’ truck.
The Honda Class 8 truck concept is powered by three new Honda fuel cell systems, which are in mass production at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM), a joint venture production facility with General Motors (GM) in Brownstown, Michigan. The new FC system, co-developed by Honda and GM over the last decade, advances performance and doubles durability while reducing the cost by two-thirds compared to the previous generation system that powered the 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan.
Alongside the Class 8 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept, Honda will also showcase the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, the first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in America, the Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV), a prototype, all-electric off-road vehicle, and the new FC system.