While all three powertrains use an electric drive motor, there are several differences that allow each vehicle to suit various lifestyles and driving uses.

Fuel-cell vehicles typically have range ratings of 300 miles or more and refueling times of approximately 5 minutes or less, along with a highly efficient fuel cell to create the on-demand electricity for power with no emissions.

A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) obtains its power from electricity stored in highly efficient and powerful batteries that require recharging via a power outlet. A BEV also produces no emissions and has range ratings that can vary from 50 to 315 miles, depending on battery capacity. With a Level 2 charger, recharging times can vary from 1 to 10 hours.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles use a traditional gasoline engine as well as an electric motor with a battery to allow all-electric driving capability. By utilizing this hybrid powertrain, the vehicle can be driven fuel-efficiently for long driving distances. When driven in EV mode, it produces zero emissions. The battery can be recharged from a power outlet much like a battery-electric vehicle.

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The advancements in the new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are the result of 20 years of Honda research and development.

One of the biggest engineering breakthroughs of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell that’s unique among sedans is that the entire fuel cell powertrain fits under its hood. This frees up valuable cabin space for a spacious interior that fits five passengers, whereas some other fuel cell sedans can only fit four. There’s also ample cargo space*, due to the thoughtful placement of the hydrogen tanks.

Compared to other fuel cell vehicles, the Clarity Fuel Cell features a luxurious, comfortable interior made from approximately 80% eco-conscious materials.

It’s also smoother, quieter and more exciting to drive, due to its independent suspension, aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels and specially designed sport tires. A flat underbody, contoured shape and air ducts ahead of the wheel openings enhance aerodynamics and reduce turbulence. This helps the Clarity receive an EPA range rating of 360 miles*—approximately 50 miles higher than the closest competing fuel cell sedan’s ratings—and best-in-class* fuel efficiency.

Additionally, the available HondaLink®* app connects you to a world of online content both inside and outside of your Clarity Fuel Cell. Stay in touch with its many features, including real-time vehicle fuel level and range, and the ability to pre-condition cabin temperature from outside the vehicle. The HondaLink®* app comes equipped with StationFinder, which locates the nearest approved hydrogen fueling station, gives you the station’s current status and can provide you directions right to it.

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The premium interior fabric materials of the Clarity Fuel Cell feel so luxurious you’d never guess they were made from approximately 80% eco-conscious materials and recycled products. From the headliner to the carpet, the Clarity Fuel Cell is just one example of the initiatives set by Honda for creating sustainable, zero-waste products and manufacturing processes.

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Like all Honda cars, the Clarity Fuel Cell has been designed to have a high level of safety performance. To that end, Honda engineers have spent the last 20 years developing and refining fuel-cell technology.

The vehicle's hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted securely in the subframe. They are designed to meet numerous stringent global safety standards and constructed with a high-tech aluminum wound in carbon fiber, making them incredibly strong and impact-resistant. Additionally, the Clarity Fuel Cell comes equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technology features, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™.* The Clarity Fuel Cell also utilizes the next generation of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for improved frontal-crash protection.

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While a fuel cell vehicle has much of the same basic driving functionality as a gasoline-powered vehicle, there are several things that set the Clarity Fuel Cell apart.

Honda has taken its rich history in motorsports and combined it with Fuel Cell Technology to bring you a vehicle that is fun to drive. Clarity Fuel Cell has excellent performance and handling thanks to its high-torque electric motor, weight distribution and multi-link rear suspension. Rolling on 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels with exclusive low-rolling resistance sport performance tires, the electric motor generates rapid acceleration the moment you press the accelerator. This power on demand provides smooth take offs and an overall quieter drive. For more responsive acceleration, switch to Sport Mode with the touch of a button.

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You should be able to drive a long way, as the Clarity Fuel Cell received a 360-mile EPA range rating.*

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The Clarity Fuel Cell is available for lease at $379 per month for 36 months* with $2,878 due at signing. The lease includes several unique benefits, including up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel for the 3-year lease term, and up to 21 days of complimentary Avis luxury car rentals*. To learn more about the benefits of leasing the Clarity Fuel Cell, click here.

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A fuel-cell vehicle generates electricity using a process that combines hydrogen and oxygen inside its fuel cell and emits only water. 

More specifically, hydrogen ions flow through a catalyst, splitting off its electrons. The electrons then flow along a wire from positive to negative, generating usable electricity, while the balance of hydrogen ions pass through a membrane and regroup on the other side, combining with oxygen to form water. The electricity generated by the electrons goes through a conductor to create on-demand electrical currents as the accelerator is pressed, offering varying amounts of power desired by the driver. Benefits include zero emissions plus a smooth and quiet driving experience that is also highly responsive due to the electric motor. 

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A fuel-cell vehicle (FCV), such as the Clarity Fuel Cell, is a long-range all-electric vehicle that uses a fuel-cell stack to create electricity on demand.

Although it’s an electric vehicle, there is never a need to “charge” the car with a plug. Instead, it can be simply refueled in 3 to 5 minutes at a hydrogen station. Since the Clarity has a 360-mile range rating,* the time between fill-ups is similar to what you would experience in a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle—except the Clarity produces zero emissions. In fact, the only byproduct of this power source is water vapor.

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Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the Universe. While it is found everywhere in nature, there are also many sustainable ways to produce hydrogen for refueling fuel-cell vehicles. Methods range from electrolysis of water using renewable power to the reforming of biogas, a renewable resource.

While all three powertrains use an electric drive motor, there are several differences that allow each vehicle to suit various lifestyles and driving uses.

Fuel-cell vehicles typically have range ratings of 300 miles or more and refueling times of approximately 5 minutes or less, along with a highly efficient fuel cell to create the on-demand electricity for power with no emissions.

A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) obtains its power from electricity stored in highly efficient and powerful batteries that require recharging via a power outlet. A BEV also produces no emissions and has range ratings that can vary from 50 to 315 miles, depending on battery capacity. With a Level 2 charger, recharging times can vary from 1 to 10 hours.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles use a traditional gasoline engine as well as an electric motor with a battery to allow all-electric driving capability. By utilizing this hybrid powertrain, the vehicle can be driven fuel-efficiently for long driving distances. When driven in EV mode, it produces zero emissions. The battery can be recharged from a power outlet much like a battery-electric vehicle.

^ Back to top

The advancements in the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are the result of 20 years of Honda research and development.

One of the biggest engineering breakthroughs of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell that's unique among sedans is that the entire fuel-cell powertrain fits under its hood. This frees up valuable cabin space for a spacious interior that seats five adults, whereas some other fuel-cell sedans can only fit four. There's also ample cargo space,* so you don't have to leave anything behind.

Compared to other fuel-cell vehicles, the Clarity Fuel Cell features a luxurious, comfortable interior made from approximately 80% eco-conscious materials.

Its smooth and quiet drive is due to its independent suspension, aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels and specially designed sport tires. A flat underbody, contoured shape and air ducts ahead of the wheel openings enhance aerodynamics and reduce turbulence. This helps the Clarity receive a 360-mile EPA range rating*—approximately 50 miles higher than the closest competing fuel-cell sedan's ratings—and best-in-class* fuel efficiency.

Additionally, the available HondaLink®* app connects you to a world of online content both inside and outside of your Clarity Fuel Cell. Stay in touch with its many features, including real-time vehicle fuel level and range, and the ability to pre-condition cabin temperature from outside the vehicle. The HondaLink®* app comes equipped with StationFinder, which locates the nearest approved hydrogen fueling station, gives you the station's current status and can provide you directions right to it.

Zero. The Clarity Fuel Cell is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a Zero-Emission Vehicle* with the only byproduct being water vapor, thereby redefining the concept of clean and fun-to-drive mobility.

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The premium interior fabric materials of the Clarity Fuel Cell feel so luxurious you’d never guess they were made from approximately 80% eco-conscious materials and recycled products. From the headliner to the carpet, the Clarity Fuel Cell is just one example of the initiatives set by Honda for creating sustainable, zero-waste products and manufacturing processes.

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No, water vapor is the natural—and only—byproduct of fuel-cell technology. The Clarity Fuel Cell can, however, run on hydrogen that is created by electrolyzing water using renewable electricity.

Many steps are taken at both hydrogen station and vehicle levels, which include hydrogen sensors, adherence to safety standards and electronic shut-off valves, to help ensure safety performance.

Hydrogen itself is lighter than air and disperses quickly into the atmosphere; when handled responsibly and with proper care, it is no more dangerous than other common vehicle fuels.

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Like all Honda cars, the Clarity Fuel Cell has been designed to have a high level of safety performance. To that end, Honda engineers have spent the last 20 years developing and refining fuel-cell technology.

The vehicle's hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted securely in the subframe. They are designed to meet numerous stringent global safety standards and constructed with a high-tech aluminum wound in carbon fiber, making them incredibly strong and impact-resistant. Additionally, the Clarity Fuel Cell comes equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technology features, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™.* The Clarity Fuel Cell also utilizes the next generation of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for improved frontal-crash protection.

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The Clarity Fuel Cell gives drivers 221 pound-feet* of smooth, responsive torque and 174 horsepower.*

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While a fuel-cell vehicle has much of the same basic driving functionality as a gasoline-powered vehicle, there are several things that set the Clarity Fuel Cell apart.

Honda has taken its rich history in motorsports and combined it with fuel-cell technology to bring you a vehicle that is fun to drive. The Clarity Fuel Cell has excellent performance and handling, thanks to its high-torque electric motor, weight distribution and multi-link rear suspension. Rolling on 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels with exclusive low-rolling-resistance sport performance tires, the electric motor generates rapid acceleration the moment you press the accelerator. This on-demand power provides smooth takeoffs and an overall quieter drive. For more responsive acceleration, switch to Sport mode with the touch of a button.

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The EPA Fuel Economy rating is: 68 city/67 highway/68 combined MPGe.*

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You should be able to drive a long way, as the Clarity Fuel Cell received a 360-mile EPA range rating.*

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Your Honda dealer will help you set up the easy-to-use HondaLink®* app with StationFinder that will locate all the approved hydrogen fueling stations and can map you to your nearest or most convenient one. You may also refer to the California Fuel Cell Partnership website to find active and upcoming hydrogen fueling stations.

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Fueling your Clarity Fuel Cell is as simple as fueling a traditional gasoline-powered car and can be done in 3 to 5 minutes. Your Clarity dealer can provide simple instructions for refueling, and most hydrogen dispensers also provide on-screen training prompts to guide you through the fueling process.

When you first pull up to a hydrogen dispenser, you will be prompted to follow each successive step. While most dispensers will have two available pressures, and the Clarity is capable of using both, be sure to select the H70 pressure option to help maximize your range. When fueling is complete, you will be prompted to disconnect the nozzle and carefully return it to the dispenser. Your total will be deducted from your fuel payment card.*

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Similar to a traditional gasoline-powered car, the fueling process will take just 3 to 5 minutes.

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The Clarity Fuel Cell was designed with a large fuel gauge, audible and visual low-fuel warnings, and a range-to-empty meter that shows available miles to help you avoid running out of fuel. However, in the rare case this happens, our 24/7 Roadside Assistance has you covered and will transport your car to the nearest hydrogen fueling station at no cost to you. Call 866-372-5139 for assistance with this or other roadside assistance needs.

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The Clarity Fuel Cell is available for lease at $379 per month for 36 months* with $2,878 due at signing. The lease includes several unique benefits, including up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel for the 3-year lease term, and up to 21 days of complimentary Avis luxury car rentals*. To learn more about the benefits of leasing the Clarity Fuel Cell, click here.

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You must live within close proximity to hydrogen refueling station(s) and be a qualified lessee. Reach out to your authorized Honda Clarity Fuel Cell dealer for more information or to address any exceptions you think might allow you to qualify.

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The Clarity Fuel Cell is currently only available in California, and eligibility is based on your proximity to one or more approved hydrogen fueling stations in the northern and southern CA station network through one of our participating dealerships. We recommend that either your home or work ZIP Code be within proximity to a participating dealer and hydrogen fueling station(s). Click here to find out if you live in a qualifying area. Reach out to your authorized Honda Clarity Fuel Cell dealership for more information.

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The Clarity Fuel Cell is available in three color combinations: Crimson Pearl exterior with a Platinum Gray Leather interior, a Platinum White Pearl exterior with a Brown Leather interior, and a Crystal Black Pearl exterior with a Black Leather interior.

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The Clarity Fuel Cell is currently available for test drives at specific driving-opportunity events, and at participating California Honda Clarity dealerships. Please contact your local dealer to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect test drives and events.

Clarity Fuel Cell lessees may be eligible for a $5,000 rebate from the state of California, while funding supplies last. Click here for more details.

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In California, drivers of qualifying clean alternative-fuel vehicles such as plug-in hybrids and zero-emissions vehicles are eligible to apply for an HOV sticker through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.  Under regulations, once you receive the sticker, you may use designated HOV lanes, even if you’re driving alone. Please contact your dealer or the California DMV for details, or visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/vr/decal.

Other states and localities have different requirements. Check with your state or local authorities for further requirements.

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Maintaining the Clarity Fuel Cell is similar to maintaining any vehicle and is performed by Clarity Fuel Cell dealers. Your owner's manual includes the maintenance schedule, and when it’s time for regular maintenance on your Clarity Fuel Cell, the Maintenance Minder™ system will alert you through a visual icon on your instrument panel. Standard maintenance will include services such as checking numerous systems on your car, including fluids, your fuel system, your brake system and tire pressure.

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At this time, the Clarity Fuel Cell is only available for lease in California.

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