What is Honda Clarity Fuel Cell?

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Overview
The Honda Clarity is a nameplate used by Honda for alternative fuel vehicles. Initially, it was used for hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles such as the 2008 Honda FCX Clarity. However, 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. The production of Clarity ended in August 2021, but US leases for the fuel cell variant continued through to 2022.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Technology
The Clarity Fuel Cell is a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle that creates electricity through a process that combines oxygen with hydrogen. It is the first vehicle family in the automotive industry to offer fuel-cell, electric, and plug-in hybrid technology options. The fuel cell stack in the Clarity Fuel Cell has been improved to allow for a 30% reduction in the number of cells and a 20% size reduction of each cell, resulting in a 33% smaller fuel cell stack. The electricity supplied by the fuel cell and a hybrid-like storage battery powers an electric motor that drives the front wheels. The Clarity Fuel Cell is essentially an electric vehicle that uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its primary power source. Its only tailpipe emission is pure water [[4]].
Discontinuation and Future Plans
The Clarity Fuel Cell production ended in August 2021, and the remaining fuel-cell and plug-in-hybrid models were discontinued after the 2021 model year. Honda has not indicated a direct replacement for the Clarity, but the company is planning to introduce several new electric vehicles, including an EV SUV model using GM’s Ultium battery packs for the 2024 model year. Honda has set a goal to gradually increase its electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle offerings over the next two decades.
In summary, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle that was part of the broader Clarity nameplate, which also included electric and plug-in hybrid options. The production of Clarity ended in August 2021, and Honda is focusing on introducing new electric vehicles in the future [[8]].

Does Honda Clarity fuel cell use gas?

The Clarity Fuel Cell’s advanced powertrain is designed to provide ample responsiveness on the road, while its only tailpipe emission is pure water. The Feature: The Clarity Fuel Cell is essentially an electric vehicle that uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its primary power source.

How many miles per gallon does the clarity fuel cell get?

68 MPGe
The fuel-cell Honda Clarity has a combined EPA rating of 68 MPGe. During a 300-mile test, we averaged 57 MPGe. That’s well short of EPA predictions but significantly better than we did with the Mirai, which has a 67-MPGe rating but managed only 48 MPGe as tested.

Are fuel cells worth it?

The average coal power plant can achieve about 35% efficiency, and gasoline (petrol) powered cars usually have efficiencies between 20 and 28%. While these systems do produce electricity, vast amounts of energy are lost as heat. Fuel cells, on the other hand, currently achieve efficiencies of between 40-60%.

How does the Honda Clarity fuel cell work?

The hydrogen (H) from the fuel tanks combines chemically–but WITHOUT combustion–with atmospheric oxygen (O) releasing electricity (electrons that are stored in batteries) and water vapor (H2O). There is NO internal combustion, less noise, and reduced heat. And again, no pollutants are discharged from the car.

Why did Honda drop the clarity?

According to Honda’s official statement on why the Clarity FCV was being pulled from its line-up, it cited a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, a lackluster market reception, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.

What is the purpose of a fuel cell car?

What is a fuel cell electric vehicle? FCEVs use a propulsion system similar to that of electric vehicles, where energy stored as hydrogen is converted to electricity by the fuel cell. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, these vehicles produce no harmful tailpipe emissions.

Is Honda Clarity fuel cell discontinued?

Each drive-train variant is distinguished by a unique “hero color” and different front styling, headlights, and taillights. 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.

Why was Honda Clarity discontinued?

According to Honda’s official statement on why the Clarity FCV was being pulled from its line-up, it cited a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, a lackluster market reception, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.

What is Honda’s fuel cell strategy?

Honda is exploring external fuel cell business opportunities with a goal to begin deliveries of the fuel cell system module soon, envisioning initial sales of 2,000 units per year. On the FCEV front, Honda will launch a CR-V FCEV, built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Centre in Marysville, Ohio, the US.

What is the lifespan of a fuel cell engine?

For example, many automakers of passenger cars aim for a fuel cell stack lifespan of at least 5,000 hours or approximately 150,000-200,000 miles. In the heavy-duty category, many bus fuel cell stacks (power plant) have reached lifetimes of 20,000 hours and more, with a goal of 30,000 hours by 2030.