2016 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
WHAT IT IS:
Honda is officially entering the hydrogen fuel cell segment with the Clarity. Long in the planning and testing, the Clarity will use hydrogen to power an electric motor, on a car that has the range and quick-fueling capacity of a gas-powered vehicle combined with the zero emissions of an electric-battery car. Like the Hyundai Tucson, it’s a five-seater — one more than Toyota’s four-seat Mirai. Observers at the L.A. Auto Show praised its fit and finish, which make the car feel more like a differently powered luxury car than a stripped-down science experiment.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Though infrastructure lags, many emissions and auto industry experts believe the hydrogen fuel cell is the powertrain of the future. Toyota and Hyundai have fuel cell cars on the market already. Mercedes-Benz, Ford and GM are coming with them soon too. Underscoring its commitment to this platform, Honda says it will add a plug-in hybrid to the Clarity line within three years.
WHAT’S NEW:
Though Honda has tested fuel cell cars for years, this is its first retail offering. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show and making its North American debut in Los Angeles, the Clarity will be available for lease in Japan in March and available for lease or sale in other markets soon — in the U.S., Honda says, late in 2016. It’ll cost about the same in Japan as the Mirai — about $62,000 before rebates and incentives.
THE COMPETITION:
Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Tucson
THE DETAILS:
Powertrain: Hydrogen fuel cell Range: Estimated 300+ miles Fueling time: Estimated three minutes Cost: In Japan, the equivalent of $62,000 U.S. before rebates and incentives