Honda FCX Clarity

Honda FCX Clarity
Overview
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Honda Clarity
Production 2008–2014
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
Electric motor fuel cell-powered 100 kW (130 hp)
Transmission Single Speed, Direct Drive
Range 240 mi (390 km) (EPA)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 110.2 in (2,799 mm)
Length 190.3 in (4,834 mm)
Width 72.7 in (1,847 mm)
Height 57.8 in (1,468 mm)
Curb weight 3,528 lb (1,600 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor Honda FCX

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 first went on sale as a 2008 model year vehicle.

Production began in June 2008.[2] It was introduced in Japan in November 2008. The FCX Clarity is available for lease in the U.S., Japan and Europe. In the U.S., it is only available to customers who live in Southern California where several hydrogen fuel stations are available.[3] As of 2010, 20 FCX Clarity cars were leased for US$600 a month, which included collision coverage, maintenance, roadside assistance and hydrogen fuel. In 2014 Honda announced the end of production of the FCX Clarity for the 2015 model. From 2008 to 2014, Honda leased a total of 45 FCX units in the US.[4] There are around 10 others on lease in Japan and another 10 in Europe.[3][5] In 2010, it is reported that there are a total of 50 FCX Clarity available for lease in the U.S.[6]

Specifications

The vehicle's 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 @0-3056 rpm. The range on a full hydrogen tank (4.1 kg @ 5000psi) is EPA certified at 240 miles (~386 km).[7] The vehicle is estimated to get about 77 miles (123.9 km) per kilogram hydrogen in the city, 67 miles (107.8 km) per kilogram highway and 72 miles (115.9 km) per kilogram in combined driving.[8]

The following table shows the FCX Clarity fuel economy estimated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency test procedures. One kg of hydrogen is roughly equivalent to one U.S. gallon of gasoline.[9]

style=" colspan="2"| Vehicle Model year Combined
fuel economy
(miles/kg) 		City
fuel economy
(miles/kg)		 Highway
fuel economy
(miles/kg)		Range
Honda FCX Clarity 201459 58 60 231 mi (372 km)

Design

The FCX Clarity is about 4 inches shorter than a 2008 Honda Accord. It comes with an innovative cockpit: 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 Bio-Fabric that is derived from plants which cuts CO2.[8][10]

Production

The FCX Clarity is 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).

In July 2014 Honda announced the end of production of the FCX Clarity for the 2015 model.[4]

Running costs

It is reported in 2009 that hydrogen made from natural gas cost about $5 to $10 per kilogram in California. Although it was more than double the equivalent amount of gasoline during the summer of 2009, fuel-cell cars have at least double the efficiency of similar models with a gasoline engine. The FCX Clarity averaged 60 miles per kilogram of hydrogen.[11]

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, and only in Southern California, where public hydrogen refueling stations are available.

The leasing program began in July 2008 at a price of $600.00 USD per month for 3 years which includes collision coverage, all maintenance and roadside assistance.[12] 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.

Features

The 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.

Pace car in IndyCar series

The 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.[13] It also served as the official pace car for the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in March 2011.[14]

Awards and recognition

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda FCX Clarity.

References

  1. ↑ Ohnsman, Alan; Seeley, Tina (18 May 2009). "Fuel cells valid despite cuts, car firms vow". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  2. ↑ Alan Ohnsman (2008-05-21). "Honda to Deliver 200 Fuel-Cell Autos Through 2011". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 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.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 John Voelcker (2014-07-29). "Honda Ends Three Green Models For 2015: Insight, Fit EV, FCX Clarity". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
  5. ↑ Bloomberg News (2009-08-24). "Hydrogen-powered vehicles on horizon". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
  6. ↑ Arthur Max (2010-04-18). "Hydrogen still in the eco-car race". AP via Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved 2010-07-22.
  7. ↑ "Honda FCX Clarity - Vehicle Specifications - Official Web Site". Honda. 2011-01-16. Retrieved 2011-01-16.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ken Thomas (2008-10-24). "Behind the wheel of the hydrogen Honda". The Seattle Times.
  9. ↑ United States Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2014-12-23). "Recently Tested Vehicles". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2014-12-24.
  10. ↑ "Honda FCX Clarity".
  11. ↑ Alan Ohnsman, Makiko Kitamura (2009-08-12). "Honda Prefers Hydrogen as U.S. Pushes Battery Autos". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  12. ↑ Phenix, Matthew (14 November 2007). "Honda FCX Clarity: Lease the Future for $600/Mo.". Autopia blog. Wired News. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  13. ↑ "Honda FCX Clarity designated as official vehicle of 2008 Ind". Automobile magazine blog. April 17, 2008.
  14. ↑ Evan McCausland (2011-03-09). "H2 Racer: Honda FCX Clarity Will Serve as IndyCar Pace Car". Automobile magazine.
  15. ↑ "Honda FCX Clarity Named 2009 World Green Car" (Press release). Honda Motor. 2009-04-09.
  16. ↑ Sebastian Blanco (2010-11-08). "CR-Z hybrid wins JIDPO's Good Design Award, third title in a row for Honda". Autoblog Green.
  17. ↑ Didorosi, Andrew (2008-12-07). "Top Gear Reviews Honda FCX Clarity". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2011-10-28.

External links