First Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Arrives in Europe

• The first Clarity Fuel Cell, Honda’s most advanced zero emissions vehicle, have arrived in Europe
• Vehicles will take part in the Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles (HyFIVE) EU demonstration project to highlight the capabilities of fuel cell vehicles and increase awareness and adoption of the technology
• Honda will deploy vehicles with customers in London and Copenhagen
• Clarity Fuel Cell is part of Honda’s aim to have two thirds of its fleet electrified by 2030

The first examples of Clarity Fuel Cell, Honda’s most advanced zero emissions vehicle, have arrived in Europe this week. The first six vehicles will be based with customers in London and Copenhagen as part of the Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles (HyFIVE) demonstration project, partly funded by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU).

The new Clarity Fuel Cell features Honda’s latest technological enhancements in the field. It is the first fuel cell sedan to house the entire stack underneath the bonnet, making the cabin spacious enough to carry five occupants. A recent US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) test measured an effective range of 366 miles (589km), greater than any other production zero emissions vehicle.

Thomas Brachmann, Chief Project Engineer, Honda Research and Development and leader of Honda’s Clarity Fuel Cell programme in Europe, said, ‘Honda has always been one of the leaders in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, with over 30 years of research and development behind us. The arrival of these vehicles in Europe and Honda’s participation in HyFIVE is the next step towards Honda’s vision of the full commercialisation of this technology.’

The HyFIVE project aims to promote the awareness and adoption of fuel cell vehicle technology and infrastructure across Europe. Once deployment is completed, 185 Fuel Cell Vehicles from five automotive manufacturers will be with private and corporate customers across Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden and UK.

The Clarity Fuel Cell is the pinnacle of Honda’s electrified vehicle technology and highlights the commitment, recently announced by company president Takahiro Hachigo, that two thirds of global sales will feature an electrified powertrain by 2030.

ENDS

HyFIVE is an FCHJU (http://www.fch.europa.eu/) funded project delivering vehicles and stations in three EU regions. For more information on HyFIVE, please follow: http://www.hyfive.eu/

ENDS

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For further information, please contact:

Karen Parry, Department Manager - Corporate Affairs
T: 01344 888634 M: 07775 035220 E: karen.parry@honda-eu.com

Simon Branney, PR Communications Manager (Cars)
T: 01344 888644 M: 07824 866400 E: simon.branney@honda-eu.com 

David Rogers, PR Communications Manager (Motorcycles)
T: +44 (0) 1344 888573 M: +44 (0) 7775 227872 E: david.rogers@honda-eu.com

Tom Lynch, Press Fleet Executive
T: 01344 888631 E: Tom.Lynch@honda-eu.com

Amelia Bovey, Power Equipment PR Consultant
T: 01372 414127 M: 07717 447561 E: hondapowerproducts@mpacreative.com

Nicci Packwood, Power Equipment PR Consultant
T: 01372 414129 M: 07507 488157 E: nicci.packwood@mpacreative.com

About Honda

Honda (UK) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda (Japan).

One of the top 20 brands in the world, Honda manufacturers a broad product range encompassing cars, motorcycles, power equipment (including marine, energy, lawn and garden and ATV) and aviation and was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to release a dedicated luxury brand, Acura, in 1986.

Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959,as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year.

Since 1986, Honda has been involved with artificial intelligence/robotics research and released their ASIMO robot in 2000. Honda has also ventured into aerospace with the establishment of GE Honda Aero Engines in 2004 and the Honda HA-420 HondaJet, which began production in 2012.

Honda has over 55 years of World Championship Racing. Today, Honda is an active participant in Formula One, motorcycle, touring car and ATV racing and draws upon its proud racing heritage in every aspect of business.