Honda to lease FCX Clarity hydrogen vehicle in US
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 15 November 2007
Honda has unveiled the new FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to introduce the FCX to the retail market in 2008.
Honda will lease the FCX Clarity to retail consumer in Southern California in the US from Summer 2008, as part of three-year leases at around $600 (£300) per month, including maintenance and collision insurance.
The FCX is a zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle powered by a fuel-cell stack generating 134bhp of power and 189lb-ft of torque. The FCX Clarity has a top speed of 100mph and range of 270 miles.
The science
Honda´s next-generation fuel-cell stack is smaller and lighter than the previous stack and works in conjunction with lithium ion batteries to power the car. Regenerative braking charges the lithium ion batteries which can supplement power from the fuel-cell where needed.
Additionally claims that the new FCX Clarity boasts a number of improvements over the previous generation by boosting fuel economy by 20% and vehicle range by 30%; power-to-weight ratio by 120%.
Only water is emitted at source, but Honda says that well-to-wheel energy used to produce hydrogen from natural gas means that emissions are half that of a petrol vehicle.
Kit and interior
There goes the science. Inside the car Honda has gone to town on the Clarity´s eco credentials, with upholstery made from a plant-based material that offers increased durability and resistance to wear, stretching, and damage from sunlight.
Standard kit consists of a satnav with hydrogen station locations, a rear view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), a premium sound system, climate controlled seats and Bluetooth connectivity.
Other improvements include shift-by-wire, electric power steering (EPS), and instrument panel that displays hydrogen fuel consumption.
When will we see it over here?
Honda says that it is not selling the FCX Clarity at present as costs are prohibitive. What´s more there does not exist a hydrogen infrastructure to support hydrogen-powered vehicles in any country at present, severly restricting the practicality of such vehicles.
Honda FCX Clarity represents a big step forward, but widespread hydrogen-powered vehicles are still decades away.
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