Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Delivery Ceremony
Honda delivered the first Clarity Fuel Cell car in Japan, out of the first batch of 200 units scheduled for the first year.
Criticism for the hydrogen fuel cell cars probably will be reinforced by the knowledge that the government (in this case the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) is the first customer.
Whether there will be ever market for FCVs, or this is only a government dream for the so called "hydrogen society"... only time will tell.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell specifications:
- range of 750 km (466 miles) under JC08 standards, while EPA rating is expected at some 480 km (300 miles).
- 70 MPa hydrogen tank
- 130 kW, 300 Nm AC synchronous motor
- lithium-ion battery
- vehicle weight 1,890 kg
- 5 seats
- price in Japan 7,660,000 yen ($67,300)
"In an effort to realize the widespread popularization of FCVs, the Clarity Fuel Cell was developed as an FCV featuring both a high level of practicality that represents the “universal value” of an automobile and “cutting-edge appeal” that is suitable for a vehicle that is at the forefront of the times and went on sale on March 10, 2016."
"The Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s first*1five-passenger sedan type FCV, realized by making the fuel cell powertrain more compact using original Honda technologies and fitting it entirely under the hood of the car. Moreover, the Clarity Fuel Cell provides a cruising range (for reference) of approximately 750 km*2, an increase of approximately 30% compared to the previous FCV model, to achieve the world’s top-class*3cruising range among all zero emission vehicles. This increase in cruising range significantly improved the practicality of this FCV model as an everyday car which can accommodate all driving needs from everyday use to a long-distance driving trip. The hydrogen tank can be refilled in approximately three minutes*4, realizing ease of use equivalent to that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
- *1Among planned production models of sedan-type vehicles, Honda internal research as of February 2016
- *2Honda internal measurement in JC08 mode and after refueling the vehicle at a hydrogen station with charging pressure of 70 MPa under the standard conditions specified in the SAE standards (J2601) (e.g. Ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit; Begin refueling into a high-pressure hydrogen tank with internal pressure of 10 MPa). The cruising range may vary when the vehicle is refueled at hydrogen station with different specifications, as the amount of hydrogen put in the tank will vary depending on the specifications of the hydrogen station. The cruising range is expected to be approximately 800 km when the vehicle is refueled under the same conditions using a hydrogen station that complies with the new standards which will become effective after the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2017. The cruising range also may vary significantly depending on conditions (ambient temperature, traffic congestion, etc.) and how the vehicle is driven (sudden starts, use of air- usage conditioning unit, etc. Range calculation based on Japanese JC08 drive cycle; anticipated U.S. EPA range rating to exceed 300 miles.
- *3Honda internal research as of February 2016
- *4Honda internal measurement using a hydrogen station with charging pressure of 70 MPa under the standard conditions specified in the SAE standards (J2601) (e.g. Ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit; Begin refueling into a high-pressure hydrogen tank with internal pressure of 10 MPa). Time required for refueling may vary depending on charging pressure and ambient temperature."
Delivered Clarity Fuel Cell to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Comments by Mr. Tsuyoshi Hoshino, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry:
“When I got behind the wheel of the Clarity Fuel Cell for the first time today, I felt Honda’s strong passion toward the realization of a hydrogen society. For the popularization of FCVs and hydrogen stations, which will be the key to the realization of a hydrogen society, METI will continue to pursue the joint effort of the public-private partnership by facilitating closer collaboration with automakers such as Honda, along with hydrogen station operators and other stakeholders.”
Comments by Takahiro Hachigo,President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:
“It is our pleasure to deliver the first unit of our Clarity Fuel Cell to the METI as part of the integrated public and private efforts to realize a hydrogen society. Honda will contribute to the realization of this hydrogen society by further development of our technologies and offering highly attractive FCVs to our customers at more affordable prices.”
