Honda Clarity | |
---|---|
2017 Honda Clarity FCV
|
|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Production | 2008–2014 (Honda FCX Clarity) 2016–present (Honda Clarity Fuel Cell) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size car |
Body style | sedan |
Layout | FF layout |
Powertrain | |
Electric motor | fuel cell-powered |
Honda FCX Clarity | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Also called | Honda Clarity |
Production | 2008–2014 |
Assembly | Takanezawa Plant, Takanezawa, Japan |
Designer | Sachito Fujimoto |
Body and chassis | |
Class | mid-size |
Body style | 4-door sedan |
Layout | FF layout |
Related | FCX Concept |
Powertrain | |
Electric motor | fuel cell-powered 100 kW (130 hp) |
Transmission | Single Speed, Direct Drive |
Range | 240 mi (390 km) (EPA) |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,800 mm (110.2 in) |
Length | 4,834 mm (190.3 in) |
Width | 1,847 mm (72.7 in) |
Height | 1,468 mm (57.8 in) |
Curb weight | 1,600 kg (3,528 lb) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Honda FCX |
Successor | Honda Clarity Fuel Cell |
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Also called | Honda Clarity FCV |
Production | 2016–present |
Body and chassis | |
Class | mid-size |
Body style | 4-door sedan |
Layout | FF layout |
Powertrain | |
Electric motor | fuel cell-powered 100 kW (130 hp) |
Range | 366 mi (589 km) (EPA) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Honda FCX Clarity |
The Honda FCX Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Honda. The design is based on the 2006 Honda FCX Concept. The FCX Clarity demonstrates electric car qualities such as zero emissions while offering five minute refueling times and long range in a full function large sedan. It was the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle available to retail customers. The new generation Honda Clarity Fuel Cell was released in the U.S. in December 2016. Two additional plug-in electric variants will be added to the line-up, the Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, both slated for release in the American market in 2017.
Production began in June 2008 with leasing in the U.S. commenced in July 2008. It was introduced in Japan in November 2008. The FCX Clarity was available for lease in the U.S., Japan and Europe. In the U.S., it was only available to customers who live in Southern California where several hydrogen fuel stations are available. As of July 2010[update], a total of 20 FCX Clarity cars were leased for US$600 a month, including collision coverage, maintenance, roadside assistance and hydrogen fuel. There were around 10 others on lease in Japan and another 10 in Europe. One of the reasons for such a low number of cars in the U.S. was a lack of hydrogen filling stations. In 2014 Honda announced to phase out the FCX Clarity. From 2008 to 2014, Honda leased a total of 46 FCX units in the US.
The FCX Clarity electrical power comes from a 100 kW Honda Vertical Flow (V Flow) hydrogen fuel cell stack whereby electricity is supplied on demand. In common with many electric vehicles, the car has regenerative braking and uses a separate battery to store energy recovered during braking.
The electric motor is based on the motor used in the EV Plus, rated at 134 horsepower (100 kW) and 189 lb·ft (256 N·m) torque @0-3056 rpm. The range on a full hydrogen tank (4.1 kg @ 5000psi) is EPA certified at 240 miles (~386 km). The vehicle is estimated to get about 77 miles (123.9 km) per kilogram hydrogen in the city, 67 miles (107.8 km) per kilogram highway and 72 miles (115.9 km) per kilogram in combined driving.