(October 6, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda is joining the nation in celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on Sunday, Oct. 8. to raise awareness of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the nation's energy security. The date is a reference to hydrogen's atomic weight of 1.008.

Honda is a leader in the development and deployment of advanced fuel cell vehicle technologies and today has more than 450 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles — with an industry-leading 366-mile zero-emissions driving range rating — in the hands of customers.

The company aims to have two-third of its global vehicle sales comprised of electrified vehicles, including fuel cells, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, by 2030.

"Honda envisions a day when fuel cell cars are the norm, and personal mobility is no longer incompatible with a clean and sustainable environment. That's our dream, and that's what powers our ongoing efforts to knock down the barriers to its mass market appeal," said Steven Center, vice president of Connected and Environmental Business Development at American Honda.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Honda views fuel cells as the ultimate zero-emissions vehicle technology and the Clarity Fuel Cell offers green early adopters the latest technology to be on the forefront of "what's next." Honda began deliveries of the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell in December 2016 in select California markets, where a consumer friendly network of hydrogen stations continues to grow, and has already delivered more than 450 vehicles.

At 366 miles, the Clarity Fuel Cell has the highest EPA driving range rating of any zero-emission vehicle in America, including fuel cell and battery electric vehicles, and an EPA fuel economy rating of 68 MPGe combined.1

The Clarity Fuel Cell is available for the competitive introductory lease price of $369 a month for 36 months with $2,868 due at signing. The lease terms include an attractive mileage allowance of 20,000 miles per year, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel, up to 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California and 24/7 roadside assistance. The Clarity Fuel Cell is eligible for California "White Sticker" single occupant HOV access and lessees can also apply for the State of California $5,000 rebate.

Honda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel cell vehicle technology through extensive real-world testing and customer deployments, including the first government fleet customers and first-ever retail consumer leasing program.

Since the introduction of its first-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, in 2002, Honda has made significant technological advancements in fuel cell vehicle operation in both hot and sub-freezing weather, while meeting customer expectations and safety regulations.

Honda has deployed fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., Germany and Japan, including the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car. Honda has delivered these vehicles to individual retail consumers in the U.S. since 2005, and collected valuable feedback concerning real-world use of both fuel cell vehicles and public hydrogen refueling stations.

Honda is participating in multiple ventures to grow a consumer friendly network of hydrogen stations. This includes a nearly $14 million investment with FirstElement Fuel to create 12 stations in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metro areas. Recently Honda announced with Shell and Toyota the introduction of seven new hydrogen refueling stations in Northern California, working toward the state's goal of 100 stations that leverages a grant from the California Energy Commission.