2010 Honda FCX Clarity Review

The 2010 Honda FCX Clairty is a break through vehicle. For those that know about the FCX Clarity, you are aware of what it is, for those that don't, some background is needed. Currently, the FCX Clarity is available for lease to selected people interested in the southern California area. However, the FCX Clarity may be available in additional areas if charging stations are built.

Background: The Honda FCX Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle. There is a lot of scientifics about hydrogen fuel cells, but that is not the purpose of this article. A hydrogen fuel cell replaces a conventional engine in the FCX Clarity. The fuel cell provides propulsion for the vehicle. Fuel cells produce electricity through chemical reactions that take place within and are extremely efficient at doing so. The only emissions coming from the vehicle is water vapor. Literally, the car is so clean in its emission that you could drink from the tailpipe, though it would not be advised. Fuel cells offer a possible alternative to hybrid or all electric vehicle.

Pricing: The Honda FCX Clarity is currently only available for leasing. The lease term is set at 36 months and a set price of $600 a month. The leasing region is containted mainly to southern California as this is the only area that has sufficient recharging stations for the hydrogen fuel cell. The hydrogen used for the FCX Clarity is produced from domestic sources and reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The FCX Clarity is currently on limited release and only 200 vehicles will be available over the course of the next three years. Maintenance cost and any damage from collisions is covered in the price of the lease.

Performance: The FCX Clarity offers traditional car characteristics from a non traditional power source. The FCX is fun to drive and offer smooth powerful acceleration. The FCX has a compact, lightweight powertrain due to the fuel cell source. The fuel cell provides electricity for the electric motor that powers the vehicle. The FC has a lithium ion battery pack as an additional source of energy. the battery pack captures energy from braking and deceleration.

Styling: The interior and exterior of the FCX Clarity appear high tech. The exterior fits the traditionally aerodynamic wedge shape of hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. The interior appears thoroughly modern and offers a dash display that shows details regarding charge status and fuel efficiency. The interior features many environmentally friendly products such as the use of bio-fabric derived from plants for the seating surfaces.

Bottom Line: Though only available to a select few, the FCX Clarity hints at a possible future for automobiles. Costs of fuel cell vehicles are extremely high at this point. However, Honda believes that fuel cell will be in future vehicles. The FCX Clarity can be viewed as a trial process, but it is a production vehicle and has been for years already. Technology may one day make fuel cell vehicles commonplace.