Hydrogen Honda for mass market

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle is Japan's second attempt at a mass market hydrogen-powered car.

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle is Japan's second attempt at a mass market hydrogen-powered car.

Published Oct 28, 2015

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Tokyo Motor Show - Honda has unleashed its answer to the Toyota Mirai, which hit the scene earlier this year as the world's first mass produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Of course, this is not Honda's first attempt at such a vehicle - the previous FCX Clarity was made a available for lease in limited numbers in the US, Japan and Europe, but now buyers in those markets will actually be able to buy the latest version of Honda's fuel cell vehicle.

The new Clarity also makes some advances and even one-ups the Toyota Mirai in two important ways.

Firstly Honda has managed to reduce the size of the fuel cell stack and power generation system by 33 percent, allowing Honda to stash the whole lot under the bonnet. This allows for a roomy cabin that, according to Honda, "comfortably" seats five adults. It still gives up some boot room though, to accommodate the large hydrogen fuel tank.

Which brings us to the Honda's other advantage, in that it can travel a claimed 700km between refuels, versus the 480km you'll manage in the Toyota. Honda is also quite proud of the 130kW output that makes for very decent performance.

The Clarity goes on sale in Japan in early 2016 with a price tag of 7.66 million yen (R872 000), but it should end up costing just R530 000 after government subsidies. Honda also plans to launch the Clarity in Europe at a later stage.

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