[fm]: Honda Finally Unveils a Price for Its Hydrogen Powered Clarity

If you’ve been looking forward to using the hydrogen fuel cells, the time has finally come, although the infrastructure hasn’t been fully established. For those living in southern California or any area situated within 25 miles from a working hydrogen refueling station,  a Toyota Mirai can be leased for only $499 per month. There is also the Hyundai Tucson FCEV that you can lease for a similar amount a month.

Now, Honda has also added to the list by introducing its hydrogen cell powered Clarity, which is leasing at only $499 a month, just like the others.

While it’s a great addition to the market, it also shows just how powerful the free market is. The three companies have been working independently on creating hydrogen cell powered cars, and after making their breakthroughs, they’ve all decided to have the cars leasing at the same price. Now, that’s a true demonstration of the “invisible hand of capitalism.”

Clarity won’t be selling just yet. It’s, however, likely to begin selling by the end of the year. As for Toyota and Hyundai, their vehicles are only available for leasing. Honda looks to start selling as soon as there is a reasonable number of Hydrogen refueling stations. Even though the company hasn’t named a price for the car, it hints at a possible selling price of $60,000, according to reports published by Motor Authority.

Interestingly, that’s about the price the Toyota Mirai would go for if they were selling the machine.

Honda disclosed that it will build three car designs on its Clarity chassis. First, it will release the fuel cell car before releasing a plug-in hybrid. Reports say that the company is also planning to build a battery electric car on the same Clarity chassis. Doing so is likely going to cut costs even as the company releases different models.

Honda’s three different versions are expected to hit the market anytime before the end of 2016.

According to Toyota, there will be close to 50 hydrogen fueling stations established in California soon.

“I’m pretty confident by the end of the year we’re going to get to 48. It’s just growing pains,” says Jim Lentz, head of Toyota’s operations in North America.

What they don’t tell you is that California taxpayers will be footing the bill – a very large bill. A single hydrogen station costs as much as $3 million. That, multiplied by 48 comes to somewhere around $150 million.

By: Victor Ochieng. 

Review: Emerging Market Formulations & Research Unit, Flagship Records. 
For The #FacebookTeam