68 MPG combined is a remarkable figure, especially considering the 2019 Honda Clarity FCV isn’t a hybrid or even a plug-in hybrid. It’s a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and that impressive number represents its gasoline-equivalent fuel economy. This means the Clarity FCV consumes energy equivalent to 68 miles per gallon of gasoline, but in reality, it uses hydrogen as its fuel source, producing only water vapor as emissions. Buyers of this car aren’t focused on saving money at the pump, they are committed to a zero-emissions lifestyle and understand the limitations of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

City and highway performance

The EPA’s city and highway fuel economy ratings for the 2019 Honda Clarity FCV are remarkably consistent: 68 MPG in the city and 67 MPG on the highway. This near-identical performance reflects the nature of the fuel cell powertrain coupled with the electric motor. Unlike gasoline engines that often see a significant drop in MPG on the highway, the electric motor in the Clarity FCV maintains relatively high efficiency across varying speeds and demands. This consistency is a real benefit for drivers who split their time equally between urban and highway environments, you’ll experience consistent, predictable performance regardless of your commute.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Honda Clarity FCV is $772. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. This isn’t the cost of gasoline, since the Clarity FCV runs on hydrogen. Instead, this figure represents the equivalent cost of gasoline to travel the same distance. It’s a useful metric for comparing its energy consumption to traditional gasoline vehicles. However, it is critical to understand that hydrogen fuel prices vary widely by region and can be significantly higher or lower than gasoline prices. The actual cost of fueling a Clarity FCV depends entirely on the availability and pricing of hydrogen in your area.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary based on several factors. Driving style, weather conditions, and terrain all play a role. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will deplete hydrogen more quickly, while gentle, steady driving will maximize efficiency. Similarly, colder weather can negatively impact fuel cell performance. It’s wise to anticipate some deviation from the EPA estimates, especially in extreme conditions. Even so, drivers of the Clarity FCV appreciate its electric-like driving experience, along with its environmental credentials, which is more important than matching the EPA numbers to the decimal point.

How it compares

The Honda Clarity family includes multiple powertrains beyond the FCV, each with different economy numbers. For example, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid achieves 44 MPG combined on gasoline, and 110 MPGe when running on electricity. This is quite different from the FCV. Looking outside the Honda family, other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo offer comparable fuel economy, with the Mirai rated at 67 MPGe combined and the Nexo at 61 MPGe. The key difference lies in range and refueling infrastructure. Consumers looking at cars like the Clarity have already committed to the hydrogen refueling network, acknowledging its limitations, for the sake of driving a zero-emission vehicle.

Those interested in fuel efficiency, but without the commitment to hydrogen, may instead consider all Honda fuel economy data and then compare it with the CLARITY MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to tire pressure. Like any vehicle, ensuring your Clarity FCV’s tires are properly inflated reduces rolling resistance, which in turn improves overall efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level.

Use regenerative braking intelligently. The Clarity FCV captures energy during deceleration through regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery and extend range. Anticipate stops and coast whenever possible to maximize the amount of energy recaptured.

Avoid aggressive driving. Quick acceleration and hard braking consume more energy. Maintain a smooth, steady pace to conserve hydrogen. This is especially true on the highway, where higher speeds require more power.

Precondition the cabin. On extremely hot or cold days, preconditioning the cabin while the Clarity FCV is plugged in can reduce the energy needed to heat or cool the interior while driving. This feature allows you to draw power from the grid rather than the hydrogen fuel cell, conserving fuel.