Honda Begins Sales of All-New Clarity Fuel Cell
March 09 2016 - 11:28PM
JCN Newswire (English)
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today began sales in Japan of its all-new
fuel cell vehicle (FCV), the Clarity Fuel Cell.
Striving to realize full-fledged popularization of FCVs, Honda
created Clarity Fuel Cell 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. Clarity Fuel Cell is the world's
first(1)five-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.
Combined with the improved efficiency of the powertrain and a
reduced energy requirement for driving, a 70 MPa high-pressure
hydrogen storage tank installed to this vehicle 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(3)cruising 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.
Moreover, as part of its "cutting-edge appeal," the Clarity Fuel
Cell features an exterior design which combines dynamism and
elegance as well as a quiet yet powerful and smooth driving feel
which can be realized only by an electric vehicle equipped with a
high-output motor with maximum output of 130 kW. In addition, in
combination with a portable external power output device, the Power
Exporter 9000, which also went on sale today, Clarity Fuel Cell can
function as a "power source on wheels" that is capable of supplying
approximately seven-days' worth(5)of electricity for an average
household.
For the first year of the Clarity Fuel Cell launch in Japan, Honda
will focus on lease sales mainly to local government bodies or
businesses Honda has already been working with for the
popularization of FCVs. During this period, Honda will collect
information about the in-market use of the Clarity Fuel Cell as
well as the external power output device and gather diverse
opinions and requests from customers and other relevant
organizations, and then later begin sales to individual
customers.
Honda will begin with small-volume production at the Production
Supervisory Unit and Powertrain Production Supervisory Unit
(located in Takanezawa-machi, Shioya-gun, Tochigi, Japan.),
eventually expanding production volume. Moreover, Honda is planning
to introduce the Clarity Fuel Cell to Europe and the U.S. before
the end of 2016.
Honda was one of the first automakers to begin focusing attention
on hydrogen as a possible solution for issues such as global
warming and depletion of fossil fuels. Honda has been positioning
the FCV, which emits only water, as the ultimate environmentally
responsible vehicle and has taken a proactive approach to the
research and development of FCVs since the late 1980s.
In 2002, the Honda FCX became the first fuel cell vehicle in the
world to be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). With these
certifications, Honda began sales of the Honda FCX in Japan and the
U.S. In 2008, Honda became the first automaker to begin sales of
the FCX Clarity, which featured an innovative sedan-type package
and unprecedented driving experience. The all-new Clarity Fuel Cell
was developed based on various data related to the ease of use and
driving performance of these previous Honda FCVs.
With the goal to make a contribution to the forthcoming hydrogen
energy society and to realize the joy and freedom of mobility and a
sustainable society where people can enjoy life, Honda will
continue taking on new challenges in the area of hydrogen
technologies including the Smart Hydrogen Station, FCVs and
external power output devices under the concept of "generate, use
and get connected."
(1) Among planned production models of sedan-type vehicles, Honda
internal research as of February 2016
(2) Honda 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 new standards which will become
effective after 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.
(3) Honda internal research as of February 2016
(4) Honda 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.
(5) Calculated based on the average daily electricity consumption
by an average household (Researched by the Federation of Electric
Power Companies of Japan)
About Honda
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267/NYSE:HMC/LSE:HNDA) is one of the
leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the
largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always
sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The
result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries
worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including
motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden
equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with
over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please
visit http://world.honda.com.
Source: Honda
Contact:
Media Inquiries
corporate_pr@hm.honda.co.jp
+81-3-5412-1512
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