Honda just unveiled its Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle for the first time in the United States and it’s set to hit the streets of California in 2016.
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“We will begin marketing the new Clarity Fuel Cell to our customers here in the USA next year”, Harty said. The Clarity Fuel Cell sedan has room for five passengers. Honda says the new compact fuel cell powertrain is roughly the size of a V-6 engine and fits entirely under the hood.
We’re told that the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell range will be in excess of 300 miles and will give off zero emissions thanks to the technology being used. The interior strives to achieve a refined and harmonious experience using rich materials and intuitive, streamlined controls.
The North American version in LAthat makes its debut at the LA Auto Show is all but identical to its Japanese counterpart and it has an aerodynamic body with clean character lines, LED exterior lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels. Customers can choose between three colors, namely red, white and black.
In addition, the platform underpinning the Clarity Fuel Cell also serves as the foundation for a next-generation PHEV Honda will launch in the U.S.by 2018. It will feature a next-gen two motor system and it should be able to travel 39 miles in all-electric mode – triple the range of the Accord Plug-In.
Harty noted that for the USA, the Clarity will be rated with a 300-plus mile range, and pricing “will be competitive with others in the segment”.
Honda’s second-generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity, launched in July 2008 and was quickly heralded as a technological breakthrough in the areas of design, packaging and efficiency.
There is also a 60 percent increase in its power density when compared to the Honda FCX Clarity being replaced.
Honda believes “that a future with hydrogen and hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars offer the best long-term solution to both the needs of our customers and the needs of society”, he said. California has committed $100 million to build 100 stations by the year 2020, however there are now only four stations in operation.
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Whereas the Mirai has a flowing form defined by sweeping lines and swooping air intakes, the Clarity Fuel Cell is crisp and angular.
