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Tags: Honda, Hydrogen, Hybrid, FCX

Tag Links: Honda, Hydrogen, Hybrid, FCX

2009 Honda FCX Clarity Road Test - 68mpg on $5 of hydrogen (2008 EPA combined est)
First seen at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda plans to begin leasing the FCX for $600 a month, and not just to carefully selected corporate fleets, but to everyday consumers.

Inside, the compact FCX would likely qualify as a full-size four-door; even with the driver's seat set to handle my 6'2" frame, there was plenty of legroom in the back. The sedan's instrument panel vaguely resembles that of the new Accord, with its stairstep layout.

The FCX is extremely well-equipped, overall, with niceties such as dual-zone digital climate control, adaptive (radar) cruise control, voice-activated navigation, and a sweet AM/FM/CD/XM audio system with a jack for your iPod or MP3 player. Oddly, while the doors and windows are power-operated, the seats are manual. Then again, maybe not, as weight clearly matters when you're going for maximum mileage.

In terms of safety, the FCX Clarity is equally well-equipped, with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, active headrests, and a radar-guided collision mitigation system

Step on the throttle and you're likely to be surprised by the Clarity's aggressive launch. The system produces 100 kilowatts of power, with a modest additional assist from the onboard batteries, which operate much like those in today's gas-electric hybrids.

From 0 to 30 mph, the FCX delivers some serious acceleration. It slacks off as you approach highway speed...Certainly, around town, the FCX Clarity will keep up with traffic
One of the most striking features of any fuel-cell vehicle is the distinct lack of traditional powertrain noises.

Though final details haven't been released, the basics are simple: customers will pay $600 a month, over the course of three-year leases, a figure including both maintenance and insurance.

Honda officials expect as many as 30 hydrogen pumps to be available next year. The fuel should cost about $5 a kilogram, meanwhile, so on a per-mile basis, the FCX will actually prove more affordable than comparably-sized sedans (except, perhaps, the Prius). Refueling times, of about five minutes are similar to what it takes to fill up an empty gasoline tank.

2009 Honda FCX Clarity

Base price: Three-year lease, $600/month
Engine: Fuel cell and 288-volt lithium battery, 134 hp/189 lb-ft
Transmission: Direct-drive electric motor, front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 190.3 x 72.7 x 57.8 in
Wheelbase: 110.2 in
Curb weight: 3582 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 68 mpg combined EPA cycle (est.)

Warranty: All maintenance provided during three-year lease Read Article



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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/24/2007 1:35:38 AMView My AgentSpace
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Wow! Sounds very impressive indeed!

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 12:28:36 PMView My AgentSpace
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?


farabira1farabira1 - 11/24/2007 6:22:28 AM
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that is some serious mileage, will certainly give better MPG than diesel, and the hydrogen is completely clean unlike diesel, which is a bit more pollutive than even petrol. But the monthly lease price of $600 is pretty high, you can probably get a 3 series with that lease money.

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ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 11/24/2007 9:13:51 AM
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Impressive numbers... Now they just need to market it well and build the hydrogen's infrastructure.

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golfer38golfer38 - 11/24/2007 9:34:18 AMView My AgentSpace
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Honda has some of the best engineers in the world, but their marketing is horrible. At $100/barrel, the faster we can build an infrastructure for this technology the better.

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pchera01pchera01 - 11/24/2007 9:36:14 AM
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"Warranty: All maintenance provided during three-year lease"

lol

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DaHarderDaHarder - 11/24/2007 11:00:41 AM
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"$600 a month, over the course of three-year leases, a figure including both maintenance and insurance"

The inclusion of the latter two, accompanied by the outstanding MPG, make this one of the best automotive bargains available in many ways (over the 3 year period).

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ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 11/24/2007 12:06:14 PM
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Its a bargain, but you cannot really drive it outside of your area too far.

Its not like hydrogen fuel cells are readily available. But hopefully soon.


EL34EL34 - 11/24/2007 11:05:25 AM
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I wouldn't have that ugly thing in my garage for a $100 dollars a month let alone $600.

Someone must be banking on Global Warming o_o

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StarStar - 11/24/2007 2:37:12 PM
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600 a month?...Right. I'm sure so many car enthusiasts will choose this Honda over a BMW 335i for this price...or NOT.

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DaHarderDaHarder - 11/25/2007 10:13:38 PM
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We're talking two completely different consumer markets here...

This vehicle is not, nor does it pretend to compete with premium compact sports sedans like the 335i.


LexusLexus - 11/24/2007 4:32:47 PM
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Why is the BMW 335i constantly being brought up? A BMW 335i buyers will NOT likely will be looking at this Honday Hybrid FCX or maybe not.

But the point is they are two different vechicles that attractive two different types of buyer.

Great Job Honda and keep it up!

Lexus

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theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 11/24/2007 5:22:57 PM
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The future of all cars Ladies and Gentlemen.

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chewychewy - 11/24/2007 7:37:16 PMView My AgentSpace
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This is a six figure priced car most likely.

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EL34EL34 - 11/24/2007 8:32:08 PM
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This Honda does not have enough windows.

11 is not enough!

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farabira1farabira1 - 11/24/2007 9:46:38 PM
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Yeah i am sorry that i brought up this talk of 3 series in this article, total rubbish from my part. They are completely different cars with very separate objectives. And for fulfilling its purpose, providing the most environmentally friendly transport(hydrogen fuel engine is way more environmentally friendly than either hybrid electric or diesel) at a manageable monthly price of $600 is actually a bargain. For those people who have a sense of responsibility and may want to contribute to prevention of global warming, this is the best buy out there. Excellent job Honda. Big time.

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w209w114w209w114 - 11/26/2007 12:32:27 PMView My AgentSpace
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Volkswagen called. They would like the grille back.

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davidhelddavidheld - 11/27/2007 1:01:45 AM
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first the accord took a dump on the camry.now the prius is going to get dirty.

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PontiaddictPontiaddict - 5/10/2008 2:21:00 PM
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It has as an emission water vapor and heat...how much heat? I find it interesting that it not quantified... if AC condensers can effect the climate what will this do? Just asking,

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