LOS ANGELES — The hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle will enter the U.S. market on a limited basis in Southern California starting in summer 2008, the automaker said on Wednesday at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The announcement marks a major step forward in getting fuel cell vehicles into the hands of ordinary drivers. Honda did not specify how many FCX Clarity vehicles it plans to lease.
"Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance," said American Honda.
Striking a reassuring note, the automaker said it is developing a service infrastructure. "When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer," the company said. Honda will transport the vehicle to the service facility.
Honda says its FCX Clarity achieves the approximate equivalent of 68 mpg combined fuel economy or about two to three times the fuel economy of a typical gas-powered car. Driving range is 270 miles.
Honda continues to refine its fuel cell system and notes that the FCX Clarity has an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultra-capacitor. The company said it has achieved a 45 percent reduction in the size of the fuel-cell powertrain to the point where it is almost equivalent to a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.
What this means to you: Honda is making major strides with its fuel-cell program, and that means one may be in your driveway before too long. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
The announcement marks a major step forward in getting fuel cell vehicles into the hands of ordinary drivers. Honda did not specify how many FCX Clarity vehicles it plans to lease.
"Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance," said American Honda.
Striking a reassuring note, the automaker said it is developing a service infrastructure. "When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer," the company said. Honda will transport the vehicle to the service facility.
Honda says its FCX Clarity achieves the approximate equivalent of 68 mpg combined fuel economy or about two to three times the fuel economy of a typical gas-powered car. Driving range is 270 miles.
Honda continues to refine its fuel cell system and notes that the FCX Clarity has an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultra-capacitor. The company said it has achieved a 45 percent reduction in the size of the fuel-cell powertrain to the point where it is almost equivalent to a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.
What this means to you: Honda is making major strides with its fuel-cell program, and that means one may be in your driveway before too long. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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