Before the hybrid-powered Formula 1 field began racing around the streets of Monaco last weekend, a different type of green energy was on display at the historic track.
Prince Albert II, accompanied by Princess Charlene and a representative from the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), drove the all-new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell on the lap of honour.
The lap represented the opening of the race itself, immediately preceding the presentation of the Formula 1 drivers and Monaco's national anthem.
The hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell was an appropriate choice of vehicle given Prince Albert's focus on the environment and sustainability.
One of the key aims of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is to limit the effects of climate change and promote renewable energies.
The all-new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s most advanced fuel cell vehicle, which Honda says eliminates the design compromises that are often found in alternatively-fuelled cars.
Its state-of-the-art 103kW fuel cell stack is small enough to be housed under the bonnet rather than in the underfloor area, which creates more space for the cabin.
The result is a fuel cell sedan capable of seating five occupants – a world first. The Clarity Fuel Cell also provides the longest maximum driving range rating of any zero-emission vehicle offering approximately 650km.
Honda will run a dedicated fleet of new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles in European demonstration projects until 2022, showcasing the car‘s real-world performance.
The arrival of the new Clarity Fuel Cell in Europe is a key part of Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’, announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, which aims to have electrified powertrains in two thirds of its cars sold in Europe by 2025.