 The FCX Clarity is a hydrogen-powered sedan Honda will begin leasing to Southern California residents next summer. |
Honda created major buzz in unveiling the FCX Clarity, a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan with hydrogen-fuel-cell power available for lease starting next summer, just like any other Honda. There are a few catches, though. First, the lease requires a three-year commitment and runs a steep $600 a month, though it includes collision insurance and all maintenance. Second, although the Clarity will lease directly through Honda dealers--making this the first "retail" fuel-cell vehicle--customers need to live in Southern California, mainly the cities of Santa Monica, Irvine, and Honda's home base of Torrance, each of which has at least one hydrogen fueling station. In addition, Honda apparently hasn't decided how many Claritys it will build or how long the lease program will run. Nevertheless, the effort seems to take a major step toward the hydrogen-fueled future we keep hearing about. As American Honda product planner Dan Bonawitz declares, "There is nothing experimental about this car."
However, the FCX Clarity does reflect nearly 20 years of Honda experiments toward a practical, affordable fuel-cell powertrain. Fuel cells drive a vehicle with electricity created by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen; the only by-product is water. Compared to Honda's first FCX car of 1991, Clarity's powertrain is 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter. It's also more efficient, rated at around 136 horsepower. The fuel-cell stack, which has shrunk to the size of a mini-tower desktop PC, nestles between the front seats. Up front is a compact electric motor that actually encircles the driveshafts, with the gearbox mounted alongside. Completing the picture are a lithium-ion battery pack beneath the rear seat and a hydrogen storage tank--to feed the fuel-cell "engine"--between the rear seat and the trunk.
 FCX's fuel-cell stack, which has shrunk to the size of a mini-tower desktop PC, nestles between the front seats. |
The Honda FCX Clarity is evolved from a 2005 concept model that earned high praise from journalists invited to drive it. Changes, aside from powertrain improvements, include a larger, shinier grille and various interior revisions. Clarity measures 190.3 inches long over a 110.2-inch wheelbase, spreads 72.7 inches wide and stands 57.8 inches tall. Curb weight is listed at just under 3600 pounds. Climbing inside reveals ample space for five adults and a fully finished look to every detail, including a dashboard design that's as futuristic as the exterior.
 FCX Clarity's driving range is quoted at 270 miles, which works out to around 68 miles per gallon for a conventional car. |
Honda is using the FCX Clarity lease program to gauge consumer reaction to fuel-cell vehicles, as well as gain further real-world experience with the technology. The same goes for a related Honda-designed home fueling station that reforms natural gas into heat and electricity for household use and hydrogen for the car. While affordable fuel cells are still some years away, Honda clearly intends to be rolling along the hydrogen highway ahead of everyone else. Judging by the Clarity, its got a good head start.
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