Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co. provided its FCX-model fuel-cell vehicle, equipped with a new FC stack that can generate electricity even at temperatures of minus 20 Celsius, as a lead car for the 80th Tokyo-Hakone Intercollegiate Ekiden relay race in January 2004, as part of its sponsorship.

The Honda FC stack is a next-generation fuel-cell with newly-developed electrolyte membranes and a simplified design that halves the number of components. It achieves high energy efficiency and improved durability, and was designed with an eye to mass production and recycling in the future when fuel cell vehicles will be more widely used. The FCX was approved for public roads by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on September 24, 2003, and testing on public road has been carried out since then. Honda aimed to demonstrate the vehicle¡Çs startup performance at low temperatures and high roadworthiness during the 80th Ekiden race.

This race marked the 85th anniversary since the first race in February 1920. The outbound route from Tokyo to Hakone is 107.2 kilometers and the return route is 109.2 kilometers, for a total distance of 216.4 kilometers, which is divided into ten segments. At each relay point, the ten runners from each participating university take turns passing their school's sash, suspended from the shoulder across the chest, to the next runner.

The origins of the Ekiden ("eki" means station, and "den" means carriers in Japanese.) can be traced back to the "hikyaku" (couriers) who ran during the Edo Period (1603-1867). During the period, checkpoints and "post towns" were established along main roads, from which the nationwide transportation network has evolved into its present form. At the same time, a relay delivery system was born. The couriers carried letters and packages in wooden boxes with a handle, and this was the origin of Japan's postal system.

The original courier system is also said to have developed into the present Ekiden relay, one of the most popular sporting events of the year in Japan, held at the beginning of January every year.


- Honda's Next-generation Fuel Cell Stack Works Even at Minus 20 degrees Celsius (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/491-e

Posted: 2004/02/20 09:22:57 AM
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