Honda is getting every dollar it can out of the Honda Clarity chassis by debuting two new models to go with the Clarity Hydrogen fuel cell.
Believe it or not but the Honda FCX Clarity has been motoring around the United States for the better part of a decade now. Honda is ready to make some headway with their alternative energy platforms, specifically what the FCX Clarity became. Earlier today (Apr. 13, 2017) Honda took the wraps off two new Clarity models that will co-exsist side-by-side with the Honda Clarity Fuel cell; the Honda Plug-in Hybrid and the Honda Electric.
First, there’s the Honda Clarity Fuel cell which stores hydrogen gas under high pressure in tanks located in the rear of the vehicle. A fuel tank has a range of 366 miles, the highest of any fuel-cell vehicle available for lease (we’re looking at you Toyota Mirai.) Since it’s only available for lease and we imagine Honda isn’t ready to sell you one just yet, their lease terms are attractive. After you plop down $2,868 for a down payment it’s $370 a month for three years. Mileage is limited to 20,000 a year but you get $15,000 towards hydrogen fuel, 21 days of rental car service, HOV lane access and can apply for $5,000 in tax rebates.
Then there’s Honda’s plug-in Hybrid which is the most intriguing out of the lineup. With a described power setup like the Chevrolet Volt, if priced right, they should give the Volt a run for their money. 42 miles on electric power alone then when the battery starts to get low, a 1.5 L engine kicks in to regenerate battery power. Like the Volt, probably under certain conditions when high-speed driving and with zero battery, will the engine power the wheels. Total range is in excess of 330 miles. The electric motor provides 181 HP and 232 lb-ft. Honda says this will be their volume leader.
Finally, there’s the Honda Clarity Electric with a 25.5 kWh battery pack only. Honda hasn’t quoted a range but it’s reported to be only 80-miles due to the shape of the Clarity not being able to fit a larger battery pack.
Honda expects to sell over 1,500 Clarity’s a month over a four-year period. With the right pricing and the correct ad campaign, we don’t foresee this being a problem.
As a throwback to when the Clarity first came out, we’ve posted when James May drove one on Top Gear back in 2008.
