The Honda Clarity is a nameplate used by Honda on alternative fuel vehicles. It was initially used only on hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles such as the 2008 Honda FCX Clarity, but in 2017 the nameplate was expanded to include the battery-electric Honda Clarity Electric and the plug-in hybrid electric Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, in addition to the next generation Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Clarity production ended in August 2021 with US leases for the fuel cell variant continuing through to 2022.[2]
| Honda Clarity | |
|---|---|
_-_Honda_CLARITY_FUEL_CELL.JPG) 2015 Honda Clarity FCV | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 2008–2014 (Honda FCX Clarity) 2016–2021 (Honda Clarity) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size car[1] |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Honda FCX |
Honda FCX Clarity (2008–2014)
edit| FCX Clarity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Honda Clarity |
| Production | 2008–2014 |
| Assembly | Takanezawa Plant, Takanezawa, Japan[3] |
| Designer | Sachito Fujimoto |
| Body and chassis | |
| 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) |
History
editThe Honda FCX Clarity is based on the 2006 Honda FCX Concept and only available as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle. The FCX Clarity had 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.[4][5]
Production began in June 2008 with leasing in the U.S. commenced in July 2008.[6] 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.[7] FCX Clarity were leased for US$600 a month in 2010, including collision coverage, maintenance, roadside assistance and hydrogen fuel.[7] There were around 10 others on lease in Japan and another 10 in Europe in 2009.[4][7] One of the reasons for such a low number of cars in the U.S. was a lack of hydrogen filling stations.[7] In 2014 Honda announced to phase out the FCX Clarity. From 2008 to 2015, Honda leased a total of 48 FCX units in the US.[8][9]
Specifications
editThe 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 at 0–3056 rpm. The range on a full hydrogen tank (4.1 kg at 5000 psi) is EPA certified at 240 miles (386 km).[10] The vehicle is estimated to get about 77 miles (124 km) per kilogram of hydrogen in the city, 67 miles (108 km) per kilogram highway and 72 miles (116 km) per kilogram in combined driving.[11]
Design
editThe FCX Clarity is about 4 inches (100 mm) shorter than a 2008 Honda Accord. The display in the dashboard includes a dot that changes color and size as hydrogen consumption grows, to make it easier for the driver to monitor their driving efficiency. A separate display shows the battery power level and another shows motor output. A speedometer is placed above the cockpit display to make it easy for the driver to keep eyes on the road. In the interior, upholstery on the seats and door linings are made with Honda's plant-derived Bio-Fabric.[11][12]
Production
editThe FCX Clarity was produced in Japan at a dedicated fuel-cell-vehicle assembly line in the Honda Automobile New Model Center (Takanezawa-machi, Shioya-gun, Tochigi Prefecture). The fuel cell stack itself is produced at Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. (Haga-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture).
It is reported that Honda plans to offer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at costs competitive with gasoline mid-size cars by 2020 although its 2005 hand-built predecessor to the Clarity cost about $1 million.[4]
In July 2014 Honda announced the FCX Clarity would be discontinued and replaced by a new and higher-volume hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle to be introduced.[8]
Running costs
editIt is reported in 2009 that hydrogen made from natural gas cost about $5 to $10 per kilogram in California, and after compression cost and transportation cost, retails for $12 to $14 per kilogram. Although it was more than double the equivalent amount of gasoline during the summer of 2009, fuel-cell cars have double the efficiency of similar models with a gasoline engine. The FCX Clarity averaged 60 mi (100 km) per kilogram of hydrogen.[13]
Features
editThe FCX Clarity's features include an AM-FM car radio with CD player, integration for iPod and iPhone, a USB port, auxiliary input, a voice-activated GPS navigation system, XM satellite radio, cloth seating surfaces, Bluetooth, and digital instrumentation.
Reception
editSince the car's unveil at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was reported in May 2008 there were 50,000 people inquiring about the car through its Web site.[6]
Honda Clarity (2016–2021)
edit| Clarity Fuel Cell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Honda Clarity FCV |
| Production | 2016–2021 |
| Assembly | Takanezawa Plant, Takanezawa, Japan (2017–2018 models) Sayama, Japan (2019–2021 models) |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | Fuel cell-powered 103 kW (138 hp) |
| Range | 366 mi (589 km) (EPA) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,895 mm (192.7 in) |
| Width | 1,877 mm (73.9 in) |
| Height | 1,478 mm (58.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,875 kg (4,134 lb) |
History
editIn November 2014, Honda unveiled the Clarity Fuel Cell concept in Japan.[14] In November 2015, Honda unveiled the Clarity Fuel Cell at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.[15] In April 2016, Honda announced that the Clarity Plug-In variant would be released in 2017 and also a Clarity Battery Electric (BEV) variant.[16] Each drive-train variant is distinguished by a unique "hero color" and different front styling, headlights, and taillights.[17]
US sales peaked in 2018, the Clarity's first full year of sales, when just over 20,000 units (all variants) were registered, but dropped steadily and only 2,597 Claritys were delivered in 2021.[18] In June 2021, Honda announced that production of the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell would end in August 2021 with Honda's Sayama plant scheduled to close in March 2022.[2][19]
Fuel Cell
editRetail deliveries of the 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell began in Southern California in December 2016.[20][21][22] The Clarity was available in 12 approved Honda dealerships located in select California markets, including six dealerships in Southern California, five in the San Francisco Bay Area, and one in Sacramento.[21][22] The Clarity Fuel Cell, with range of 366 mi (589 km), had the highest EPA driving range rating of any zero-emissions vehicle in the U.S., including fuel cell and battery electric vehicles,[21] until the Hyundai Nexo was released in early 2019.[23] The 2017 Clarity also has the highest combined and city fuel economy ratings among all hydrogen fuel cell cars rated by the EPA, with a combined city/highway rating of 67 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe), and 68 MPGe in city driving.[24]
Fuel economy ratings (fuel cell models)
editThe following table shows fuel economy ratings from the United States Environmental Protection Agency test procedures for both the 2014 FCX Clarity and the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell, expressed in miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe). One kg of hydrogen is roughly equivalent to one U.S. gallon of gasoline.[24]
| Vehicle | Model year | Combined fuel economy |
City fuel economy |
Highway fuel economy |
Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda FCX Clarity | 2014 | 59 mpg-e | 58 mpg-e | 60 mpg-e | 231 mi (372 km) |
| Honda Clarity Fuel Cell | 2017 | 67 mpg-e | 68 mpg-e | 66 mpg-e | 366 mi (589 km) |
Electric
edit| Clarity Electric | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2017–2019 |
| Model years | 2017–2019 |
| Assembly | Sayama, Japan |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | 120 kW (160 hp) |
| Range | 143 km (89 mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,895 mm (192.7 in) |
| Width | 1,877 mm (73.9 in) |
| Height | 1,478 mm (58.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,825 kg (4,024 lb)[25] |
In April 2016, Honda announced that in addition to the new generation Clarity Fuel Cell there are two additional variants — the Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, which were both released in 2017.[26] The all-electric Clarity EV with a 25.5 kWh battery has 89 miles (143 km) of range,[27] and is only available for a three-year lease (US$199/month with US$899 down) for residents of California or Oregon.
For the US market, the Clarity Electric is equipped with a CCS Type 1 combo port for DC charging, which also accepts J1772 plugs for AC charging. A full charge requires approximately 3.5 hours on a 240 V AC charger, or 19 hours on a standard 120 V US wall outlet.[25]
Production stopped for the Clarity Electric at the end of 2019.[28]
Plug-in hybrid
edit| Clarity Plug-in Hybrid | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2017–2021 |
| Model years | 2018–2021 |
| Assembly | Sayama, Japan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 77 kW (103 hp)[29] 1.5 L Honda LEB-series i-VTEC I4 |
| Electric motor | 135 kW (181 hp)[30] AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-speed Honda direct drive system called e-CVT |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Plug-in hybrid |
| Range | 47 mi (76 km) (all-electric) 340 mi (550 km) (combined) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,915 mm (193.5 in) |
| Width | 1,875 mm (73.8 in) |
| Height | 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,838 kg (4,052 lb)[31] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid |
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model was launched December 1, 2017 in the U.S. market with a starting MSRP of $34,290; it was eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit in the U.S. unlike some other PHEVs due to its larger battery size, along with other incentives for plug-ins in certain states.[32] The Clarity PHEV has an EPA-rated all-electric range of 47 miles (76 km), with a total combined gas/electric range of 340 miles (550 km).[33]
It is the only Clarity model available in all 50 U.S. states as well as Canada, where it was launched nationwide in the latter on December 14, 2017, starting at an MSRP of C$39,990, before available government incentives up to C$13,000.[34]
For the North American market, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a J1772 charge port for AC charging at up to 6.6 kW. A full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours at the full 6.6 kW speed (240 V 27.5 A), or 13 hours from a standard 120 V US wall outlet.
The Clarity PHEV was the only variant available in the Forest Blue Pearl exterior color. Other distinctive exterior features found only on the plug-in variant include a chrome bar above the front grille, chrome rear deck lid garnish, and a unique wheel design.[35]
The Clarity PHEV was subsequently released in Japan on July 20, 2018, with an MSRP of ¥5,880,600 including 8% consumption tax, with an advertised all-electric range of 114.6 km (71.2 mi) on the JC08 driving cycle or 101 km (63 mi) on the WLTP driving cycle. Compared to the North American model, the Japanese model includes an additional CHAdeMO DC fast charging connector, providing an 80% battery charge in 30 minutes.[36]
For the 2020 model year, the Clarity received a new Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, which emits an audible noise when the car is driving at low speeds in pure electric mode.[37]
In August 2019, Honda limited stock of the Clarity PHEV in the United States to only California dealerships, though it could still be ordered nationally.[38] The Clarity PHEV was discontinued in 2021, along with the Fuel Cell model.[19]
Tax credits
editFCX Clarity
editOn 25 July 2007 the United States Internal Revenue Service announced that the Honda FCX Clarity met the requirements of the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a qualified fuel-cell motor vehicle. Purchasers of the 2005 and 2006 Honda FCX were eligible for a US$12,000 Section 30B(b) income tax credit, but consumers were not allowed to purchase the vehicle, as it was only available leased in Southern California, where public hydrogen refueling stations are available.[citation needed] The tax credit expired in 2014.[39]
The leasing program began in July 2008 at a price of US$600 per month for three years which includes collision coverage, all maintenance and roadside assistance.[40] Honda announced Power Honda Costa Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica and Scott Robinson Honda as the initial dealers, which were chosen for their proximity to hydrogen refueling stations.[citation needed]
Clarity FCV
editThe Clarity Fuel Cell is eligible for a federal tax credit of US$8,000, as the tax credit for fuel-cell vehicles was given in December 2015 a short-term extension through the end of 2016.[39] As a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), the Clarity FCV is eligible for a purchase or lease rebate in California of US$4,500 through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.[41] However, Honda only currently offers the Clarity FCV for lease, so the federal incentives are retained by Honda rather than the lessee; leasee is able to receive the CVRP rebate from California.
Clarity Plug-in hybrid
editOwners of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid are eligible for a maximum US$7,500 tax credit through U.S. federal tax credit programs.[42]
Pace car in IndyCar series
editThe Honda FCX Clarity was the pace car in 2008 Indy Japan 300 which took place at the Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi, Japan, April 2008.[43] It also served as the official pace car for the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in March 2011.[44]
Awards and recognition
edit- World Green Car of the Year - 2009[45]
- 2008 Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization[46]
- "Most important car for 100 years" - BBC Top Gear[47]
See also
edit
- List of fuel cell vehicles
- Honda e, with a similar drivetrain to the Clarity Electric.
References
edit- ^ "Overview of Honda Clarity". 8 August 2019.
- ^ a b "Fuel Cell Technology Will Continue to Play a Role in Our EV Strategy". Honda News (Press release). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ Ohnsman, Alan; Seeley, Tina (18 May 2009). "Fuel cells valid despite cuts, car firms vow". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on May 21, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
- ^ a b c "Hydrogen-powered vehicles on horizon". The Washington Post. 24 August 2009. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Honda Sets Up World's First Fuel Cell Dealer Network". The Car Connection. 16 June 2018. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022.
- ^ a b Alan Ohnsman (2008-05-21). "Honda to Deliver 200 Fuel-Cell Autos Through 2011". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
- ^ a b c d Jerry Garrett (2010-07-21). "As Honda Ramps Up E.V.'s and Hybrids, Fuel Cell Program Lags". New York Times-Wheels blog. Retrieved 2010-07-22.
- ^ a b John Voelcker (2014-07-29). "Honda Ends Three Green Models For 2015: Insight, Fit EV, FCX Clarity". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
- ^ "American Honda Sets New All-Time Annual Sales Record". 5 January 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Honda FCX Clarity - Vehicle Specifications - Official Web Site". Honda. 2011-01-16. Retrieved 2011-01-16.
- ^ a b Ken Thomas (2008-10-24). "Behind the wheel of the hydrogen Honda". The Seattle Times.
- ^ "Honda FCX Clarity".
- ^ Alan Ohnsman, Makiko Kitamura (2009-08-12). "Honda Prefers Hydrogen as U.S. Pushes Battery Autos". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "Honda FCV Concept Makes World Debut in Japan". Honda News (Press release). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ "Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan Makes North American Debut at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show". Honda News (Press release). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ "Honda Takes Bold Step with Honda Clarity Series; Fuel Cell, Battery Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Variants to Leverage Common Platform". Honda News (Press release). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ "2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Pricing to Start at $33,400". Honda Automobiles Newsroom. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2022-02-26.
- ^ "Honda Clarity Sales Figures". Good Car Bad Car.
- ^ a b Omoto, Yukihiro (16 June 2021). "Honda discontinues fuel cell car Clarity on weak demand". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ "Honda Celebrates National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day with Continued Investment in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Infrastructure". Honda News (Press release). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 6 October 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ a b c Millikin, Mike (2016-12-20). "Southern California customers take delivery of new 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2016-12-24.
- ^ a b Krok, Andrew. "2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell arrives with tiny price hike, tiny range reduction (Apr 10, 2019)". Roadshow. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
- ^ "Hyundai sets lease terms for Nexo Fuel Cell Vehicle Makes First Delivery". Green Car Reports. 2019-01-03. Retrieved 2019-11-05.
- ^ a b United States Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (November 2016). "Compare Fuel Cell Vehicles". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
- ^ a b "2018 Honda Clarity Electric - Vehicle Specifications". Honda Owners Site. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ Loveday, Eric (2016-04-21). "Honda Clarity Electric & Plug-In Hybrid To Launch In 2017". InsideEVs. Retrieved 2016-04-21.
- ^ Honda Clarity EV 80 miles range price
- ^ Bomey, Nathan (9 March 2020). "Honda kills the Clarity Electric vehicle as sedan sales continue to struggle". USA Today. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ "Vehicle Specifications 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid". owners.honda.com. Retrieved 2021-02-05.
- ^ "Vehicle Specifications 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid". owners.honda.com. Retrieved 2021-02-05.
- ^ "Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Specifications and Features". automobiles.honda.com. Retrieved 2018-04-04.
- ^ "2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Pricing to Start at $33,400 - Honda.com". news.honda.com. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
- ^ "Honda Worldwide | September 12, 2017 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Achieves Class-Leading All-Electric Range". world.honda.com. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
- ^ "2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Arrives in Canada". Honda Canada. 2017-12-14. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
- ^ "2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Press Kit". Honda Newsroom. 2017-12-12. Retrieved 2022-02-26.
- ^ "Honda Global | July 19, 2018 Honda to Begin Sales in Japan of Clarity PHEV, New Plug-in Hybrid model". global.honda. Retrieved 2019-06-23.
- ^ "2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Delivers Premium Driving Experience, with Excellent Driving Range and Fuel Economy Ratings". Honda Automobiles Newsroom. 2020-01-16. Retrieved 2022-02-26.
- ^ Szymkowski, Sean (August 19, 2019). "Low demand drives Honda Clarity PHEV out of Northeast region". CNET Roadshow.
- ^ a b Edelstein, Stephen (2016-01-06). "Tax Credit For Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles Extended By Budget Deal". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2016-12-24.
- ^ Phenix, Matthew (14 November 2007). "Honda FCX Clarity: Lease the Future for $600/Mo". Autopia blog. Wired News. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
- ^ "CVRP Eligible Vehicles". California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. Center for Sustainable Energy. Retrieved 2016-12-24.
- ^ "Federal Tax Credits for Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Cars". www.fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ "Honda FCX Clarity designated as official vehicle of 2008 Ind". Automobile magazine blog. April 17, 2008.
- ^ Evan McCausland (2011-03-09). "H2 Racer: Honda FCX Clarity Will Serve as IndyCar Pace Car". Automobile magazine.
- ^ "Honda FCX Clarity Named 2009 World Green Car" (Press release). Honda Motor. 2009-04-09. Archived from the original on 2010-06-05.
- ^ Sebastian Blanco (2010-11-08). "CR-Z hybrid wins JIDPO's Good Design Award, third title in a row for Honda". Autoblog Green.
- ^ Didorosi, Andrew (2008-12-07). "Top Gear Reviews Honda FCX Clarity". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2011-10-28.
External links
edit- Honda FCX Technology FCX homepage (Japanese).
- Honda Fuel Cell page contains specifications of FCX, FCX Concept, Home Energy Station.