Honda readies battery powered Clarity model for sale next year

Detroit, Michigan – Another major automaker could have an affordably priced electric car on the road before Tesla begins delivering its long-awaited Model 3. Honda has announced plans for a 2017 launch of a battery powered Clarity five-seat car.

The Clarity has until now only been leased in its hydrogen fuel cell version, but Honda officials say they’ll launch both an all-electric and a plug-in hybrid version next year. Tesla’s $35,000 Model 3 isn’t expected until the end of 2017 or early 2018. So the Clarity could join Chevrolet’s $37,000 Bolt all-electric car in beating the Tesla to market. Honda officials have not shared pricing details on the battery powered Clarity, but the fuel-cell model is expected to cost about $60,000 when it goes on sale late this year, and hydrogen technology is typically twice as expensive as battery power if not more so.

"The Honda Clarity Series will provide customers with a well-equipped, premium, midsize vehicle with range of ultra low-carbon powertrain options to suit their lifestyle needs," says John Mendel, executive vice president, automobile division, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. "This Honda trio of dedicated, advanced technology vehicles, along with the expanded application of two- and three-motor hybrid systems to our core models, represents a strong commitment to Honda's future and will help create a new volume pillar for electrified vehicle sales."

All of the Clarity models will leverage the platform that has enabled the Clarity Fuel Cell's low, wide and aerodynamic proportions. The first of the Clarity Series to launch will be the Clarity Fuel Cell, Honda's most technologically advanced vehicle ever, slated to begin deliveries to customers in select California markets in late 2016. The Clarity Fuel Cell will have a targeted monthly lease price of under $500.

Technological innovations to the Clarity Fuel Cell include a fuel cell stack that is 33% more compact than its predecessor with a 60% increase in power density compared to the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity. The more compact fuel cell and integrated powertrain, comparable in size to a V-6 engine, now fit entirely under the hood of the car.

Source: American Honda Motor Co. Inc.