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17 Jun 2008
Japanese car maker Honda has begun limited mass production of a hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle.
The Honda FCX Clarity will be the world's first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car.
However, the company plans to deliver only 200 of the vehicles during the next three years.
A few dozen will be made available in the US and Japan during the next 12 months, but there are no plans yet announced to offer the cars in other countries.
The vehicles are being leased to customers at a cost of $600 per month through three dealers in California. Honda has not said when it plans to begin full mass production.
"This is an important day in the history of fuel cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel cell cars will be part of the mainstream," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda.
The cars are fuelled with hydrogen gas which is compressed for storage inside the fuel cell. Honda has developed technology for producing hydrogen from natural gas, to enable owners to fuel their own vehicles.
The fuel cells charge batteries to drive an electric motor. Fully-fuelled, the car has a maximum range of 280 miles, according to Honda.
Lifetime leasing costs for the vehicles are apparently well below Honda's current manufacturing costs, according to earlier statements by the company.
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Do you agree?
Availability of Honda Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
With global warming such a major threat, why isn't this vehicle being brought into mass production now? I need to replace my 14 year old car but I want to buy a vehicle that is much more environmentally friendly than the current hybrids. However there's nothing suitable to buy. Why have the motor car manufacturers lagged so far behind on making a green car? Whats stopping these developments? I don't understand it.
Posted by: Lynette Williamson 29 Jun 2008
About honda fcx clarity
it takes so much time because Safe for the public Operable in freezing weather Able to drive a reasonable range before refueling Easy to refuel Sporty and fun to drive Spacious and comfortable hydrogen produced much more electricity than any other alternative fuel and efficiency of this is 3 times more than that of gasoline and two times more than that of hybrid. Also it emits water as emission product which is non polluting.By developing and working to perfect Honda Fuel Cell (FC) stacks, Honda has made them significantly smaller and lighter. As a result, the design of the vehicle itself has also gone from tall and boxy to sleek and elegant with a roomy and comfortable cabin. the main problem is with refilling of hydrogen(obtainted from natural gas) this can be sort out by making different filling station.
Posted by: gaurav aggarwal 18 Jun 2008
This is just a diversion!
"The fuel cells charge batteries to drive an electric motor" - Why not just charge the electric battery with existing technology, a plug! Why must we wait a minimum of 10 years for fuel cell technology to be ready? Turning natural gas into hydrogen?....why not just run the car on natural gas????
Posted by: sjk217 17 Jun 2008
What where you thinking when you posted that?
Yes they charge the battery and the car runs off the battery. Why not plug them in?? Because the electricity that comes out of that plug most likely comes from a coal or oil burning power plant and that would make the concept of 0 emissions unreal. The fuel cell turns hydrogen and oxygen in to water and in the process that creates electricity. The fuel cell creates to much electricity for the car to run straight off of the cell so it stores it in a battery and then runs to the motor. Why not run it off the Natural Gas? Because that to would create emissions and the car wouldn't be a 0 emissions car!! Im not sure how they make the Hydrogen out of Natural Gas but im sure its cleaner then making it out of water and using Electricity from Coal or Oil burning power plants. Do you even know anything about the Technology? If not why are you commenting on this? Think about what's your saying, it makes no since! Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars have 00000!!!! emissions and if you use any of the other thing you have stated...plug it in, burn Natural Gas that compromises the whole idea of 0 emissions!!
Posted by: Ryan 17 Jun 2008
I want this car
Okay, I've had an article with picture of this car taped to my refrigerator for almost two years and now you say its coming finally coming out.... but only 200 and certainly not in Ohio Gees.... can't you please get on with the production and re-fill stations! I want this vehicle. Can I do sales for you to help out? Do logistical studies for stations? Or am I forever doomed to a Civic?.. well okay that isn't so bad.
Posted by: Karen Ollis 17 Jun 2008
The car is a fuel cell testbed?
It seems like Honda wants to use the car as a testbed for their fuel cell technology. As far as using natural gas to generate electricity, I guess hydrogen has better energy density.
Posted by: Known 17 Jun 2008
Congratulations and Thanks
Is a good step to protect our enviroment. Congratulations to Honda, for his vision and to Mr. Takeo Fukui, for his focus. It was presented in USA and represents a strong challenge for the american automotive industry. Yesterday senador Barack Obama receives the endorsemnt of Al Gore and at same time said that he wiil help the american automotive industry and he will do his best for the climate. This sounds good for America and for the world.
Posted by: Pedro de Azevedo Peres 17 Jun 2008