Since the early days of the company, Honda has maintained a reputation for building automobiles that are well-built and fuel efficient. Cars like the Insight and Civic Hybrid were forerunners in the lucrative alternative fuel market. In fact, when the EPA produced their list of the 10 most fuel efficient cars from 1984-2010, half of them were Honda vehicles. Honda has now taken the next step by introducing their first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
The new 2017 Honda Clarity is the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to be as fun to drive as it is fuel efficient. Currently only available for sale in California, the Clarity has a 366-mile range per tank, converting hydrogen into electricity and giving the car instant acceleration with zero emissions. The engine components fit under the hood like a standard vehicle, leaving the rest of the real estate for human space instead of filling it with batteries and hydrogen tanks.
Honda Clarity Brings the Future of Fuel Efficiency
So, what exactly is a fuel cell?
A fuel cell is a device that generates energy by creating a chemical reaction. A fuel, in this case hydrogen, becomes ionized and creates an electrical charge, which sends power to the car. The only thing left over from the reaction is H2O, otherwise known as water. This means the fuel cell creates no emissions whatsoever.
This video, created by the U.S. Department of Energy, explains how a fuel cell works further:
Well, how does the Clarity drive?
The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell features excellent performance and handling, powered by an electric motor with 221 pound-feet of torque. The 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels are equipped with exclusive low-rolling resistance sport performance tires.
Even in “Normal” mode, the electric motor generates rapid acceleration the moment you press the accelerator. The Honda Clarity scores over its competitors with the exclusive Sport mode, which enhances the acceleration and handling.
Where do you get hydrogen to fill the tank?
As hydrogen fuel cell technology becomes more mainstream, refueling stations will pop up all over the country. Right now, they only exist in California — the only place you can get a Clarity.
While they may not run on hydrogen fuel cells, there are a number of fuel efficient vehicles available at Asheboro Honda. The Accord Hybrid gets 49 MPG in the city, and the gas-powered Civic gets 39 MPG on the highway. Come on in and take a test drive today.