Honda's CLARITY FUEL CELL Launched for Leasing in Japan
Welcome to another episode on what's happening in/on/to Japan. I'm your navigator, Nathan Shiga.
Not that I drive no other cars but Honda, I get excited each time they come up with something new - fresh models, F1 info and, above, about auto fuel. This is one of those innovative moves they are making - the next-generation hydrogen-driven car Clarity Fuel Cell out in the market.
Honda always trails a few steps behind Toyota but for good reasons. Honda Clarity Fuel Car sells 430 thousand yen dearer than Toyota's Mirai at 7.66 million but travels 100 kilometers farther with tankful of hydrogen.
That's already worth trailing a few steps behind. Further, the drive unit is beautifully mounted within the bonnet. The vehicle is the first FCV sedan in the world to carry 5 passengers. Also, what say you if Honda Clarity Fuel Cell takes 3 minutes to fill up?
To start, Honda will produce a limited numbers at its labo out in Tochigi to lease to local municipalities and corporations in the current year 2016, targeting about 200 in the first year of production. In the end of 2017 they expect to have built enough to sell to individual customers.
By the end of 2016, Honda will throw in enough to California and Europe for leaving for $500 or less per month. President Takahiro Hachigo comments:
"Hydrogen is suitable to transport and store and we conceive FCV to be a hopeful alternate mobility to replace gasoline vehicles. Environmental restrictions tighter than ever, we believe FCV to be a pivotal environment-friendly option."
Well said. When combined with the external power supplier, Power Exporter 9000 capable of storing 7 days worth of power at home, Clarity Fuel Cell can even be a running power source feeding power to local communities at the time of disaster.
Good show, Honda.
