The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle a driving range rating of 366 miles.
This gives the FCV the best range rating of any electric vehicle without a combustion engine, including fuel cell and all-electric vehicles, in the United States.
"Not only does the Clarity Fuel Cell fit five passengers and refuel in three to five minutes, it offers customers a driving range on par with gasoline-powered cars," said Steve Centre, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Clarity leads the pack with a 366 mile driving range rating, and with a growing network of hydrogen stations and fast fuelling time, the zero-emissions family road trip is no longer science fiction."
With the Clarity Fuel Cell set to arrive in Europe by the end of 2016, Honda will be bringing the eco car to a limited number of markets as part of the HyFIVE program.
The U.S-based EPA test also recorded a fuel economy rating of 68 mpg. The Clarity Fuel Cell is the first fuel cell car to house the entire drivetrain under the bonnet of the car. Honda has reduced the size of the fuel cell stack by 33 percent whilst increasing power density by 60 percent, compared to the Honda FCX Clarity. Thanks to the compact fuel cell stack and integrated powertrain, the Honda is able to offer a more spacious cabin with seating for five people.
In Europe, the the HyFIVE program aims to promote the development, use and viability of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Together with industry partners, Honda is looking to gather real world user experiences of fuel cell vehicles and the use of hydrogen refuelling stations.