2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell US debut confirmed for New York
Honda will unveil the US-market Clarity Fuel Cell at the New York Auto Show, offering a 300-mile range and five-seat practicality ahead of its California launch.
Honda will present the US-specification Clarity Fuel Cell at the New York International Auto Show, confirming the hydrogen-powered saloon’s arrival for American customers later in 2016. The Clarity, which has already launched in Japan, is Honda’s answer to the Toyota Mirai and will be available for lease in California before the end of the year.
The 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell is built on a new platform with a 33 percent more compact fuel cell stack, which Honda says delivers a 60 percent increase in power density compared to the outgoing FCX Clarity. The entire fuel cell system now fits under the bonnet, freeing up cabin space for five passengers, a practical advantage over the four-seat Mirai. Boot space remains limited by the hydrogen tanks, but Honda has prioritised interior comfort and usability in the new model.
Performance and refuelling
Honda claims an EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles (482 km), putting the Clarity at the front of current hydrogen saloons for distance between refuelling stops. Filling the tank is expected to take just three to five minutes at a compatible hydrogen station, matching the convenience of petrol refuelling for those with access to the infrastructure.
Standard equipment for the US model includes an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Honda’s Sensing safety suite is also fitted, bringing adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking. These features aim to position the Clarity as a practical and safe alternative for early hydrogen adopters.
US launch details
The Clarity Fuel Cell will be offered initially as a lease-only vehicle in California, where the state’s hydrogen refuelling network is most developed. Honda is targeting a monthly lease figure below $500, though final pricing will be confirmed closer to launch. The company has dropped its previous natural gas Civic in the US to focus on hydrogen fuel cell technology, reflecting a shift in strategy towards zero-emission vehicles.
The Clarity enters a small but growing segment, with rivals including the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell. For more on Honda’s fuel cell development, see Honda and GM's Fuel Cell Partnership Yields Smaller, Cheaper Stack.
