Honda Introduces 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan

In 2002, Honda was the first automaker to begin a retail initiative of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles when it started leasing its original FCX hatch to fleet customers, and by 2005 it was already leasing the cars to individuals. Three years later the FCX Clarity sedan was launched and to this day there are roughly two dozen of them on American roads.

Over the past couple of years Honda has been trotting out concept versions of a new fuel cell vehicle due on the market in 2016 and destined to be the automaker’s first mass-produced vehicle to pack the advanced powertrain.

The car will be launched initially in Japan next March, and its only direct rival at present is the Toyota Mirai, which went on sale earlier this year. Sales in other markets, including here in the United States, should commence later in 2016.

Honda says its the first fuel cell vehicle to house the entire fuel cell powertrain (fuel cell stack and electric motor) under the hood, thus allowing the cabin to be as roomy as in a conventional sedan. The powertrain is said to be roughly the same size as a modern V-6 and peak output is rated at 174 horsepower. The storage tanks for the hydrogen fuel are located in the vehicle floor.

With its hydrogen storage tanks filled, it is claimed to be capable of traveling over 300 miles. The car can also be connected to an external power feeding inverter, allowing it to serve as a mobile source of electricity for emergency situations.

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