How does a fuel cell work?

A fuel cell generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen inside of a fuel cell stack.

Does the vehicle need to be plugged in to recharge?

No, the FCX Clarity generates its own electricity onboard the vehicle inside the fuel cell.

Does the car run on gasoline?

No. The FCX Clarity does not use any gasoline whatsoever. It runs on clean, domestically produced compressed hydrogen gas. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.

How far can I drive it before I have to refuel?

The FCX Clarity has a driving range of approximately 280 miles.

How and where do I fill up the vehicle?

A number of hydrogen refueling stations can be found in Southern California with others in development. Honda is also working to develop a Home Energy Station that may eventually supply energy to the home while filling up the car right inside the garage.

The FCX Clarity is a "dedicated platform hydrogen fuel cell vehicle." What does that mean?

The FCX Clarity was designed from the ground up to be a fuel cell vehicle that runs on electricity powered by hydrogen, and emits only water vapor and heat into the air. In other words, the fuel cell technology was developed by Honda for the FCX Clarity, and was not retrofitted to an existing model. Instead, our engineers cleared away all preconceived notions of automobile design, challenging themselves to discover the new possibilities that can only be realized with the fuel cell vehicle.

What is the difference between fuel cell, hybrid and electric vehicles?

While electric vehicles are powered by a battery alone and must be plugged in to recharge, hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline-powered engine with an electric motor. You fill hybrid vehicles up with regular gasoline and they do not need to be plugged in. A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle that does not need to be plugged in to recharge and is refueled quickly with gaseous hydrogen.

Fuel cell vehicles are powered by electricity generated onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen by the fuel cell stack. From tank to wheel, the FCX Clarity is about twice as efficient as a hybrid-electric vehicle and three times more efficient than a conventional gasoline vehicle.

How fast does the vehicle go?

The FCX Clarity has a top speed of 100 miles per hour on a test track, so you'll have no trouble driving at the posted speed limit.

Where can I take it for service?

When you qualify to lease an FCX Clarity, you will be provided with a list of the participating Honda FCX Clarity dealerships available to meet any regular maintenance and service needs. All service and maintenance for the FCX Clarity will be covered by your lease.

Where can I lease one? How much does it cost?

A limited number of FCX Clarity vehicles will be available for lease only in the Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas. The lease amount will be $600 per month for three years and it includes maintenance. As hydrogen-supply infrastructure expands and the practical use is advanced, Honda anticipates making a greater number of fuel cell vehicles available to the public.

Why is the vehicle only available in Southern California?

FCX Clarity owners currently need to reside in the Southern California area in order to have access to service and refueling. As the hydrogen supply infrastructure expands, Honda will make a greater number of FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicles available to the public.

Are there any limitations I should be aware of before I apply to lease one?

Yes. At first, vehicle use will be geographically limited. FCX Clarity drivers will need to be able to adhere to specific and somewhat limited rules of usage. Drivers will need to be able to accommodate the vehicle's reduced range and limited refueling network.