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The Honda FCX Clarity will be the world’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car
Honda unveils first hydrogen fuel cell car
But only 200 to be delivered in next three years, company says.
vnunet.com, 17 Jun 2008
This is an important day in the history of fuel cell vehicle technology
John Mendel American Honda
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.
1) Production Begins for New FCX Clarity Fuel
TOKYO, Japan, June 16, 2008 - Honda announced that it has begun
production of the new FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, with the first
vehicle (U.S. specification) coming off the line.
- Full Story: http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616New-FCX-Clarity/
- Photo Index (16 photos): http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616New-FCX-Clarity/photo/
- Video (1 min 35 sec): http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616New-FCX-Clarity/video/
2) Honda Announces First FCX Clarity Customers and World’s First Fuel Cell
Vehicle Dealership Network
TOCHIGI, Japan, June 16, 2008 - American Honda announced five of the
first customers for its advanced new FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-
powered vehicle and also provided details of the world’s first fuel
cell vehicle dealership network in the United States.
Full Story: http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616First-FCX-Clarity/ Photo Index (5 photos): http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616First-FCX-Clarity/photo/
Popularity: 38% [?]
A baby step in the right direction. I hope this catches on. Move over hybrids, a real solution for the future is coming.