Is Honda Clarity fuel cell being discontinued?
Yes. Honda has discontinued the Clarity Fuel Cell for consumer sale in North America, with production ending after the 2021 model year and the broader Clarity lineup phased out in the region by 2022. The company is now focusing on other electrified options and ongoing hydrogen research through partnerships rather than a consumer FCV offering in the U.S.
This article explains how the Clarity Fuel Cell ended its run in North America, why the decision was made, and what it means for buyers and for Honda’s hydrogen strategy moving forward. It also outlines the available alternatives for those interested in Honda’s electrified lineup today.
What happened to the Clarity program?
The Clarity family was introduced as a multi-variant platform intended to showcase Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside plug-in hybrid and battery electric options. The Fuel Cell version (FCV) faced persistent challenges, including limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, higher vehicle costs, and slower consumer uptake compared with battery-electric vehicles. In response, Honda gradually wound down the Clarity lineup in North America and shifted investment toward BEVs and hybrids, while continuing limited hydrogen research and partnerships rather than marketing FCVs to consumers in the U.S.
Key milestones illustrating the change in direction are summarized below.
Timeline and milestones
Before presenting the timeline, note that these items reflect the public-facing milestones in North America and the broader strategy shift around Clarity and FCV technology.
- 2016: Clarity Fuel Cell (FCV) debuts in Japan as Honda’s mass-market hydrogen fuel cell model, marking a milestone for consumer FCV technology.
- 2017: Honda begins limited U.S. leasing of the Clarity FCV in California and other hydrogen-accessible markets, signaling initial consumer exposure to FCVs in the U.S.
- 2019–2020: Honda expands Clarity variants to include the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and, in some regions, limited Electric (BEV) options, while FCV availability remains highly restricted.
- 2021: Honda announces the end of the Clarity lineup for North America after the 2021 model year, with production of Clarity FCV effectively concluding as part of the broader cost- and infrastructure-driven shift away from FCVs in the region.
- 2022: Official discontinuation of Clarity production in North America; no ongoing FCV sales in the U.S. or Canada, with the company focusing on other electrified offerings.
The timeline above captures how strategic considerations around hydrogen infrastructure, cost, and market demand influenced Honda’s decision to discontinue the Clarity Fuel Cell in North America and to de-emphasize the FCV path in favor of other technologies.
The broader takeaway is that Honda chose to reallocate resources away from consumer FCVs in markets where hydrogen infrastructure remains limited, while continuing to pursue hydrogen research and partnerships for potential future applications beyond mainstream passenger cars.
What does this mean for Honda’s customers and alternatives today?
With the Clarity FCV discontinued in North America, potential buyers and existing Clarity FCV lessees have to consider other Honda technologies or external options for zero-emission or low-emission transportation. Honda’s current strategy emphasizes hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, along with ongoing research into hydrogen applications.
- Current Honda hybrids: For customers seeking efficient, low-emission operation, Honda continues to offer well-established hybrid models such as the Civic Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, and HR-V Hybrid in many markets. These provide fuel efficiency improvements without requiring hydrogen infrastructure.
- Upcoming and current BEVs: Honda is expanding its BEV lineup, including models like the Prologue (a North American BEV built on a shared platform with partner brands) and other electric offerings slated for rollout in the coming years. These BEVs aim to deliver practical zero-emission mobility with growing regional charging networks.
- Hydrogen research and partnerships: Honda remains involved in hydrogen technology through collaborations and development efforts with partners. While there are no consumer FCVs for sale in the U.S. today, research and pilot programs continue in some markets and applications where hydrogen could play a role in the future.
In short, today’s Honda options for customers seeking low- or zero-emission driving focus on hybrids and BEVs, with hydrogen technology continuing to be explored rather than marketed as a consumer FCV in the United States.
Summary
Honda has discontinued the Clarity Fuel Cell for consumer sale in North America, ending production after the 2021 model year and phasing out the Clarity lineup by 2022. The company has redirected its strategy toward hybrid and battery-electric models, while maintaining ongoing hydrogen research and partnerships rather than offering FCVs to U.S. customers at this time. For those seeking alternatives, Honda’s current lineup emphasizes hybrids and BEVs, with future BEV introductions expected to broaden available choices in the coming years.
What is the lifespan of a hydrogen fuel cell?
The lifespan of a hydrogen fuel cell varies by application but typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 operating hours for cars, which equates to about 150,000 to 240,000 miles. For heavy-duty applications like buses, the lifespan is longer, with current models reaching 20,000+ hours and goals of 30,000 hours by 2030. The lifespan is influenced by factors such as the specific type of fuel cell, operational conditions, and maintenance.
Passenger vehicles
- Lifespan: 5,000 to 10,000 hours
- Equivalent mileage: Roughly 150,000 to 240,000 miles
- Goal: Many automakers aim for a lifespan equivalent to the lifetime of the vehicle
Heavy-duty transport (e.g., buses, trucks)
- Current lifespan: 20,000+ operating hours
- Future goal: 30,000 operating hours
- Potential: Some research is focused on developing fuel cells for trucks that could last 200,000 hours or more
Factors influencing lifespan
- Usage: How the fuel cell is used, including frequency and intensity of operation
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as filter changes and system checks, can extend its life
- Operational conditions: Factors like heat, UV exposure, and storage conditions can affect the lifespan
- Type of fuel cell: Different types of fuel cells have different durability characteristics
- Engineering: Advances in materials and design are continuously improving durability
How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Honda Clarity PHEV?
A Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid battery replacement can cost anywhere from approximately $8,500 to over $12,000 at a dealership, depending on the service center and whether it's a full or remanufactured unit. Some independent shops may offer lower prices, sometimes as low as $8,500, though they might not use official OEM parts. Costs can also be lower if purchasing a used battery from a third-party source, but this is not a recommended option unless you have experience with this type of repair and are prepared for potential future issues.
This video explains how much it costs to replace a hybrid battery and how to extend the battery's life: 49sGreentec EV and Hybrid BatteriesYouTube · Jun 11, 2025
Cost breakdown
- Dealership: $8,500 - $12,000+
- Independent shops: Can be lower, but depends on parts and labor
- Used parts: Potentially cheaper, but often without a warranty and with high risk
Factors that affect cost
- Part type: OEM vs. aftermarket vs. used
- Installation location: Dealership vs. independent shop
- Part quality: New vs. refurbished vs. remanufactured
- Labor costs: Can vary significantly depending on your location
- Drivetrain: All-electric versions might have slightly different replacement costs
How to get an accurate estimate
- Contact a dealership: Get a quote from a Honda dealership in your area for an OEM battery replacement.
- Contact independent hybrid/EV specialists: Get a quote from a reputable independent shop that specializes in hybrids and EVs. These shops may have different options for parts and labor that can lower costs.
- Check online parts suppliers: Look up prices for replacement batteries from online retailers, but remember that this will not include installation costs.
Is Honda still making the Clarity?
No, Honda has discontinued the Clarity model, ending production of the plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell versions in August 2021, and the electric version was killed off earlier. The decision was driven by low demand and a broader shift in Honda's strategy toward a new generation of electrified vehicles.
- Production ended: Honda officially ceased production of all Clarity models around 2021 and 2022.
- Reason for discontinuation: Low sales and demand for all variants, particularly the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure for the fuel-cell model, contributed to the decision.
- Future plans: The discontinuation is part of Honda's larger strategy to focus on future electric vehicles and hybrid technology. The company has a goal of 100% zero-emissions vehicle sales (battery-electric or fuel cell) by 2040.
Why did Honda discontinue the Clarity PHEV?
Honda stopped making the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid due to low sales demand, which was influenced by factors like the car's high price point, poor market reception, and Honda's shift in strategy towards a new generation of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Production officially ended in August 2021 as part of Honda's larger plan to transition its portfolio to focus on future BEVs and hybrid models, such as the Insight and CR-V Hybrid.
- Low demand: Sales for all Clarity models had been declining, with only a small number of units sold in the years leading up to the discontinuation.
- Strategic shift: Honda decided to end production to focus resources on its upcoming, next-generation line of electrified vehicles, including those developed in partnership with General Motors.
- Focus on BEVs: The discontinuation was part of a long-term goal to have 100% of its sales be either battery-electric or fuel-cell electric vehicles by 2040.
- Market reception: The Clarity's high price point and polarizing exterior design contributed to its poor market acceptance compared to other electrified options.
