Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
Honda squeezed a complete hydrogen-electric powertrain under the hood so five people could sit inside like they would in a normal sedan.
2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at IAA · Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0
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More than a set of wheels.
The 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell was Honda's third-generation U.S. fuel-cell vehicle. Southern California customer deliveries began on December 19, 2016. Honda leased it only where hydrogen stations were available, but its five-seat cabin and 366-mile EPA range showed how much the company's fuel-cell hardware had shrunk since the earlier FCX models.
Look a little closer.
Honda said the entire fuel-cell powertrain under the hood occupied about the same space as one of its 3.5-litre V6 engines and transmissions.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Shrinking the stack made room for a fifth seat
Earlier fuel-cell cars needed a large center-tunnel unit. Honda made this stack 33 percent more compact than the previous FCX Clarity system and placed the stack, motor and control hardware under the hood. That packaging choice left the cabin with five proper seats.
Source: Honda Europe · 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell press kit ↗Range depended on a real hydrogen network
The EPA rated the U.S. car at 366 miles and 68 MPGe combined. Refuelling could take only a few minutes, but the vehicle was offered in select California markets because drivers still needed compatible 70 MPa hydrogen stations. The impressive range and the limited station map were both important parts of the story.
Source: American Honda · EPA 366-mile range release ↗Where these facts come from
- American Honda · EPA 366-mile range release
- Honda Global · Southern California customer deliveries
- Honda Europe · 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell press kit
- Honda Global · Japan sales launch
- Honda Info Center · Clarity Fuel Cell powertrain
- Honda · 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell specifications archived by NHTSA
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.