Honda Clarity FCV (USA)
Honda took the opportunity to announce the launch of
their Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle at the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day in US.
Honda’s hydrogen-powered model will be launched
initially in California ‘before the end of 2016’, offering a fuel stack that’s
33 percent more compact than its predecessor and at the same time with a 60
percent increase in power density.
Both the new fuel cell and the integrated powertrain
now fit entirely under the hood of the new Honda Clarity, thus allowing for a
more spacious cabin that fits five passengers. The company says also that the
driving range is estimated to exceed the 483 km mark, with refuelling
taking approximately three to five minutes on a 70 kPa refuelling station.
Honda didn’t reveal any power outputs for the
North-American version but we don’t expect any differences from the Japanese
model which has a fuel cell stack capacity of 100 kW and a 174 hp electric motor.
Last year Honda said that the new Clarity will be
available in select dealers in LA and Orange County, with San Francisco and
Sacramento to follow on a later date. Pricing will be announced on a
closer-to-launch date.
