Honda Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid sedan axed

The Honda Clarity – currently offered overseas in hydrogen and plug-in hybrid guises – will be discontinued later this year, a spokesperson for the brand has confirmed.

However, Honda claims it remains committed to fuel-cell technology and on track to for carbon neutrality by 2050.

“[We] will conclude production … in August 2021. This will ensure we have the Clarity fuel-cell available for lease through 2022, and Honda will continue to support our Clarity customers in the marketplace,” an official statement issued by Honda overseas said.

“The entire Clarity series played a valuable role in advancing Honda’s portfolio approach to electrification, which is an important aspect of our commitment to reduce CO2 emissions.

“Now, with a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, Honda has set a target to make 100% of our vehicles sales battery-electric (BEV) or fuel cell electric (FCEV) by 2040 … Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will play a key role in our zero-emissions strategy,” the statement adds.

The move comes over a year after the battery-electric variant of the front-wheel drive sedan was pulled from the US market.

A spokesperson for the brand in Australia declined to comment on the reason for the cull, however international media reports suggest slow sales and low profit margins have led to the model’s demise. In 2020 just 551 examples of the car were delivered to customers.

The current-generation Honda Clarity was launched in 2017, and is among a small handful of production vehicles offered with a hydrogen powertrains alongside the Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai.

In the USA – the only market the vehicle is sold – pricing starts from US$34,395 (AU$46,000) for the plug-in hybrid, or US$58,490 (AU$78,000) for the fuel-cell variant.

The former pairs a 77kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 135kW electric motor. Energy is drawn from a 25.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, allowing a zero-emission driving range of 76km.

The latter, meanwhile, sends 103kW to the road and permits a range of 589km from its 4.1kg pressurised tank.

The popular Honda E small hatchback – not offered officially in Australia – is now the brand's only zero-emissions offering.