Honda Clarity
| Honda FCX Clarity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Also called | Honda FCX |
| Production | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Takanezawa, Japan [1] |
| Designer | Sachito Fujimoto |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | mid-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | FCX Concept |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | fuel cell Electric motor |
| Transmission | Single Speed, Direct Drive |
| Electric range | 280 miles (450 km) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
| Curb weight | 3,528 lb (1,600 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Honda FCX 2-Door |
The Honda FCX Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Honda. The design is based on the 2006 Honda FCX Concept. The FCX Clarity demonstrates electric car qualities such as zero emissions while offering 5 minute refueling times and long range in a full function large sedan. It went on sale as a 2008 model year vehicle.
Limited marketing of a fuel cell vehicle based on the concept model began in 19 June, 2008 in the United States and it was introduced in Japan in November 2008.[2] The FCX Clarity is available in the U.S. only in the Los Angeles Area, where 16 hydrogen filling stations are available, and until July 2009, 10 drivers have leased the Clarity for US$600 a month which includes collision coverage, zero-cost maintenance and roadside assistance.[3] Honda believes it could start mass producing vehicles based on the FCX Clarity by the year 2020.[3]
Specifications
The vehicle's electrical power comes from a 100 kW Honda Vertical Flow (V Flow) hydrogen fuel cell stack and is supplied on demand. Just like a hybrid car, free energy captured from braking and deceleration is generated by the Motor/Generator which is stored in a 288V lithium ion battery.
The electric motor is based on the motor in the EV Plus, rated at 134 horsepower (100 kW) and Template:Auto ftlbf torque @0-3056 rpm. The range on a full hydrogen tank (4.1 kg @ 5000psi) is 280 miles (~450 km), with fuel efficiency of 77/67/72 miles (~124/108/116 km) per kilogram of hydrogen in city/highway/combined driving.
Production
The FCX Clarity is currently produced in Japan, at 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). Honda planned to produce 200 vehicles within 3 years.
Running Costs
According to Top Gear, in 2008, 30 litres of hydrogen costs the same as 30 litres of gasoline in California. Also, the FCX Clarity's power plant is much simpler than an internal combustion engine, so it doesn't need to be serviced that often.[citation needed]
Tax credits
On 25 July, 2007 the United States Internal Revenue Service announced that the Honda’s FCX had met the requirements of the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a qualified fuel cell motor vehicle. Purchasers of the 2005 and 2006 Honda FCX are eligible for a $12,000 Section 30B(b) credit, but consumers are not currently allowed to purchase the vehicle, as it is still available only for leasing, however only in Southern California, where public hydrogen refueling stations are available.
The leasing program began in July 2007 at a price of $600.00 USD per month for 3 years which includes collision coverage, all maintenance and roadside assistance.[4] 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.
See also
References
- ^ Ohnsman, Alan; Seeley, Tina (18 May 2009). "Fuel cells valid despite cuts, car firms vow". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
- ^ Honda Motor Company (16 June 2008). "Honda Announces First FCX Clarity Customers and World's First Fuel Cell Vehicle Dealership Network as Clarity Production Begins". Retrieved 2009-06-01.
- ^ a b Bloomberg News (2009-08-24). "Hydrogen-powered vehicles on horizon". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Phenix, Matthew (14 November 2007). "Honda FCX Clarity: Lease the Future for $600/Mo". Autopia blog. Wired News. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
Links
- Honda FCX Technology FCX homepage (Japanese).
- Honda Fuel Cell page contains specifications of FCX, FCX Concept, Home Energy Station.
- Official FCX Clarity Site (USA)
- FCX Concept Test Drive Video
- 2006 Honda FCX specifications
- Honda Introduces City of Las Vegas as Next Fuel Cell Customer - Honda Fuel Cell Technology Milestones
- New Honda FCX Concept Driving Experience
- Production Begins for the New FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle: -- A number of the new production processes showcased for the first time --
- Honda Announces First FCX Clarity Customers and World’s First Fuel Cell Vehicle Dealership Network as Clarity Production Begins in Japan: Breakthrough zero emissions vehicle to be delivered in July
- Daily Telegraph article 'FCX: Car of the century?'
- Three New Hybrids To Join Honda Fleet
- Top Gear reviews the Honda Clarity
