Honda
Clarity Fuel Cell
Honda
Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled the world premiere of the planned production model of
its all-new fuel cell vehicle (FCV), Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, at the 2015 Tokyo
Motor Show.
The
all-new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell fuses the ease of use of a gasoline-powered
vehicle and values that are unique to a FCV at a high level. This fusion gives
this sedan-type FCV high value and potential to set a benchmark for FCVs now
and in the future.
Employing
original Honda technologies, the fuel cell stack for this model was downsized
by 33% compared to the previous version of the fuel cell stack and yet output
of more than 100 kW and output density of 3.1 kW/L - approximately a 60%
improvement - were achieved. The fuel cell powertrain was made as compact as a
V6 engine, and thus it was made possible to consolidate it under the hood of a
sedan-type vehicle for the first time in the world. This powertrain layout
enabled a full cabin package that seats five adults comfortably .
Combined
with improved efficiency of the powertrain and a reduced energy requirement for
driving, a 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank installed to this vehicle
provides a cruising range of more than 700 km (Honda internal measurement), the
top-class cruising range among all FCVs. The tank can be refilled in
approximately three minutes, realizing ease of use equivalent to that of a
gasoline-powered vehicle. Furthermore, the high-output motor with maximum
output of 130 kW realizes both direct, highly-responsive and exhilarating
driving experience and excellent quietness at the same time. In addition, when
combined with an external power feeding device, the Power Exporter 9000, the
all-new Clarity Fuel Cell can function as a "power plant on wheels"
that generates and provides electricity to the community in times of a disaster
or other events.
Honda
will begin lease sales in Japan of this all-new Clarity Fuel Cell in March
2016. For the first year after the start of sales in Japan, Honda will focus on
sales mainly to local government bodies or business customers which Honda has
already been working together for the popularization of FCVs. During this
period, Honda will collect information about the in-market use situation,
including the external power feeding device, and gather diverse opinions from
customers and other relevant organizations, then later begin sales to
individual customers.
Honda
will begin with small-volume production at the Production Supervisory Unit and
Powertrain Production Supervisory Unit (located in Takanezawa-machi,
Shioya-gun, Tochigi, Japan), then eventually expand production volume and
begin regular sales along with lease sales. The sales price of Clarity Fuel
Cell in Japan will be 7.66 million yen (including consumption tax). The Power
Exporter 9000, which has the capacity to feed approximately seven-days' worth
of electricity for an average household, is scheduled to go on sale at the same
time as the Clarity Fuel Cell. Clarity Fuel Cell will be sequentially evolved
into the U.S. and Europe.
With
the goal to make a contribution to the forthcoming hydrogen energy society and
to realize the joy and freedom of mobility and a sustainable society where
people can enjoy life, Honda will continue taking on new challenges in the area
of hydrogen technologies including the Smart Hydrogen Station, FCVs and
external power feeding devices under the concept of "generate, use and get
connected.