Q. The FCX Clarity is a “dedicated platform hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.” What does that mean?
A.A. Honda has led the way in developing and improving fuel cell vehicle performance. The FCX Clarity was designed from the ground up to be a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that runs on electricity, and emits only water vapor and heat into the air. In other words, the fuel cell technology was developed by Honda for the FCX Clarity, and was not retrofitted to an existing model. Instead, our engineers cleared away all preconceived notions of automobile design, challenging themselves to discover the new possibilities that can only be realized with the fuel cell vehicle. Learn more About Fuel Cells.
Q. How does a fuel cell work?
A. A fuel cell generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen inside of a fuel cell stack. How the FCX Clarity Works.
Q. Does the FCX Clarity need to be plugged in to recharge?
A. No, the FCX Clarity generates its own electricity onboard the vehicle inside the fuel cell. Learn more About Fuel Cells.
Q. Does the FCX Clarity run on gasoline?
A. No. The FCX Clarity does not use any gasoline whatsoever. It runs on clean, domestically produced compressed hydrogen gas. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
Q. How far can I drive it before I have to refuel?
A. The FCX Clarity has a driving range of approximately 280 miles.*
*Honda in-house data calculated using previously approved EPA methodology. Your actual range will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
*Honda in-house data calculated using previously approved EPA methodology. Your actual range will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Q. How and where do I fill up the FCX Clarity?
A. A number of hydrogen refueling stations can be found in Southern California with others in development. Honda is also working to develop a Home Energy Station that may eventually supply energy to the home while filling up the car right inside the garage.
Q. How clean are the emissions of the FCX Clarity?
A.As clean as they get. This is a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV). The hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and by the EPA as a Tier-2 Bin 1 vehicle, the lowest possible federal EPA emission rating. It will also receive an EPA Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) rating due to its entirely sealed fuel system. It will qualify to access High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in California with just one person on board.
Q. What is the difference between fuel cell, hybrid and electric vehicles?
A. While electric vehicles are powered by a battery alone and must be plugged in to recharge, hybrid vehicles combine a conventional gasoline engine with an electric motor. You fill hybrid vehicles up with regular gasoline and they do not need to be plugged in. A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle that does not need to be plugged in to recharge and it is refueled quickly with gaseous hydrogen.
Current fuel cell vehicles are powered by electricity generated onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen by the fuel cell stack. Learn more about How Fuel Cells Work. From tank to wheel, the FCX Clarity is about twice as efficient as a hybrid-electric vehicle and three times more efficient than a conventional gasoline vehicle.
Current fuel cell vehicles are powered by electricity generated onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen by the fuel cell stack. Learn more about How Fuel Cells Work. From tank to wheel, the FCX Clarity is about twice as efficient as a hybrid-electric vehicle and three times more efficient than a conventional gasoline vehicle.
Q. What colors does the FCX Clarity come in?
A. The FCX Clarity is currently available in Star Garnet Metallic, a unique deep-red tone.
Q. How many passengers can the FCX Clarity comfortably seat?
A. The FCX Clarity is a roomy four-passenger sedan packed with amenities for a comfortable ride. Learn more about FCX Clarity Features.
Q. How fast does the FCX Clarity go?
A. The FCX Clarity has a top speed of 100 miles per hour on a test track, so you’ll have no trouble driving at the posted speed limit.
Q. Is the FCX Clarity fun to drive?
A. If you like smooth, strong acceleration, great handling and a quiet ride, then you’ll find the FCX Clarity to be one of the best cars you’ve ever driven. Learn more about FCX Clarity Performance.
Q. Where will I take my FCX Clarity for service?
A. When you qualify to lease an FCX Clarity, you will be provided with a list of the participating Honda FCX Clarity dealerships available to meet any regular maintenance and service needs. Currently that list includes Power Honda in Cost Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica in Santa Monica, and Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance. All service and maintenance for the FCX Clarity will be covered by your lease.
Q. Where can I lease an FCX Clarity? How much does it cost?
A.A limited number of FCX Clarity vehicles will be available for lease only in the Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas. The lease amount will be $600 per month for three years.† Maintenance costs are included in the lease. American Honda also covers the costs of physical damage to the FCX resulting from any collision.
As hydrogen-supply infrastructure expands and the practical use is advanced, Honda anticipates making a greater number of fuel cell vehicles available to the public across a broader area. The first FCX Clarity drivers have been selected. Sign up for FCX Clarity updates if you’d like to receive updates or be considered for future leasing opportunities. Learn more about leasing.
As hydrogen-supply infrastructure expands and the practical use is advanced, Honda anticipates making a greater number of fuel cell vehicles available to the public across a broader area. The first FCX Clarity drivers have been selected. Sign up for FCX Clarity updates if you’d like to receive updates or be considered for future leasing opportunities. Learn more about leasing.
Q. Why is the FCX Clarity only available in Southern California?
A. FCX Clarity owners currently need to reside in the Southern California area in order to have access to service and refueling. As the hydrogen supply infrastructure expands, Honda will make a greater number of FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicles available to the public across a broader area. Learn more about Driving the FCX Clarity.
Q. Are there any limitations I should be aware of before I apply to lease an FCX Clarity?
A. Yes. At first, vehicle use will be geographically limited. FCX Clarity drivers will need to be able to adhere to specific and somewhat limited rules of usage. Drivers will need to be able to accommodate the vehicle’s range criteria and limited refueling network.
Q. Where can I learn more about the alternative-fuel transportation initiatives of the various auto manufacturers?
A. Today, automakers are more concerned than ever about finding solutions to the problems of air quality and climate change, and Honda is leading the way. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has a Web site with information about various incentives and initiatives in this important area: http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/en/gv/home/index.asp
Q: Who are the first lucky customers to lease the FCX Clarity?
A. Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester took delivery of their hydrogen fuel cell powered FCX Clarity on July 25, 2008 at Honda of Santa Monica. Yerxa and Ballester are the first of approximately 200 customers who will lease the FCX Clarity over the next three years. View photos.
*Honda in-house data calculated using previously approved EPA methodology.
†Subject to limited availability, in designated, limited California market regions, to approved lessees by American Honda Finance Corp. Closed end lease for 2008 FCX Clarity, for qualified lessees meeting specific use and operation requirements. Not all applicants will qualify. No purchase option. Zero capitalized cost reduction. Taxes, license, title fees, liability insurance extra. Monthly payments of $600.00 for 36 months. Total monthly payments $21,600.00. No mileage limitation or excess mileage cost. See one of three authorized FCX Clarity dealers for complete details.
