SWOT analysis of new Honda fuel cell vehicle

Honda is changing the car market, as we know it, by making cars that emit water vapor. Honda’s FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Car is a new breed of green car. This car has some similarities to the hybrid, but nothing can match the new fuel source, hydrogen. In addition to hydrogen, it runs on an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that produces electricity in the fuel stack. Lithium-ion batteries act as an auxiliary power source. Lithium-ion batteries are charged during braking and deceleration. When thinking about this new fuel cell vehicle, some questions may arise, such as why this vehicle is superior to other hybrid vehicles. What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Honda FCX Clarity?

One of the greatest strengths of this new fuel cell vehicle is that it emits water vapor and is designated as a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives this vehicle the lowest possible emission rating. You can also drive up to 280 miles before replenishing hydrogen. FCX Clarity is 55% more energy efficient than hybrid vehicles and three times more energy efficient than regular gas vehicles. The FCX Clarity is one of the first fuel cell vehicles to be certified by the EPA and the California Department of Air Resources due to its energy efficiency. Unlike the hybrid, the FCX Clarity doesn’t need to be plugged in to charge and doesn’t require regular gas.

Honda has many opportunities with this new fuel cell vehicle. First of all, Honda is designing a household gas station. You no longer have to worry about going out and pumping. Household gas stations increase pump stress. Honda can also make this fuel cell vehicle a generic name and sell it worldwide. Honda just has to get out there to show off their new car. Honda has begun selling new fuel cells for a while. Honda has just released the FCX Clarity for Japan.

One of the few weaknesses of this fuel cell vehicle is its limited availability in the United States. This new vehicle is only available in Southern California and Japan. Honda plans to release about 200 units in California and Japan in three years. Honda believes this new fuel cell vehicle can be mass-produced by 2018. This is one of Honda’s biggest pitfalls, a limited release and few gas stations.

This car is a little small so it can only accommodate 4 people. The cost of FCX Clarity is about 600 per month on a 3-year lease. It seems a bit urgent that middle class people can afford to pay for it. No one can rent this new car in California. These selected people live near gas stations and they commute a limited amount.

Basically Toyota and GM cars are Honda’s biggest threat. With so many new hybrids and small gas-efficient cars, this poses a problem for Honda. Another threat is Chevrolet. Chevrolet has developed the fuel cell SUV “The Equinox” and has already arrived in New York City, Washington DC and Southern California. That said, it will be a competition between Honda and Chevrolet with new fuel cell technology. How will the new fuel cell FCX Clarity grow in popularity? Mass production and lack of gas stations, Honda has no chance.

I think Honda came up with a good concept car with a new fuel source. New fuel sources need further investigation before selling this vehicle. This car is environmentally friendly and for those who have money. The overall problem is to make this car publicly accessible and easily accessible.

Honda, on the other hand, has a comparative advantage because it has a gas station at home. No other car can be plugged in and refueled at home. Hybrid vehicles rely on batteries and gas to drive. You need to connect the hybrid to charge the battery.