Honda is giving media and consumers a first look at a US-spec version of the next-generation Clarity Fuel Cell sedan at the 2016 New York Auto Show.
The five-passenger, hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, to be released later this year, features the most advanced technology available on a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) including Honda Sensing as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell features a low, wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The premium-contented interior creates a refined experience with intuitive, streamlined controls. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available in black, white and signature red exterior paint schemes.
A reengineered 2017 Accord Hybrid will go on-sale this spring, with a new Honda Plug-in Hybrid vehicle based on the same platform as the Clarity Fuel Cell slated for launch by 2018. Honda is also developing a new battery electric vehicle, also slated for launch by 2018.
Technological innovations to the Clarity Fuel Cell include a fuel cell stack that is 33 percent more compact than its predecessor with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity. The more compact fuel cell and integrated powertrain, comparable in size to a V-6 engine, now fit entirely under the hood of the car, allowing for a more spacious cabin with seating for five passengers. The new Clarity Fuel Cell will feature an anticipated U.S. EPA driving range to exceed 300 miles, with an anticipated refueling time of approximately three to five minutes.
Slated to begin retail leasing to customers in select California markets before the end of 2016, the Clarity Fuel Cell is expected to be priced around $60,000 with a targeted monthly lease under $500.
Honda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel cell vehicle technology through extensive real-world testing and customer deployments, including the first government fleet customers and first-ever retail consumer leasing program. Since the introduction of its first-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, in 2002, Honda has made significant technological advancements in fuel cell vehicle operation in both hot and sub-freezing weather while meeting customer expectations and safety regulations.
Honda has deployed fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., Germany and Japan, including the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car. Honda has delivered these vehicles to individual retail consumers in the U.S. and collected valuable feedback concerning real-world use of both fuel cell vehicles and public hydrogen refueling stations.
Honda’s second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity, launched in July 2008 and was quickly heralded as a technological breakthrough in the areas of design, packaging and efficiency. As the world’s first dedicated platform fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity was powered by the Honda V-flow fuel cell stack positioned in the center tunnel of the vehicle, with the electric motor located down low in the front of the vehicle, providing performance on par with a gasoline powered sedan, including 240 miles of driving range.
