Honda's Hydrogen Cars Heading for California

Honda's new zero-emission FCX Clarity rolled off the production lines today and the first batch are on their way to southern California. The FCX features sleek lines, a top speed of 105mph, and the ability to travel 270 miles without refueling. Honda expects to lease a few dozen this year and up to 200 next year. The lease is $600 / month. Honda currently leases the FCX minivan in Japan to government officials for 800,000 JPY (US$7,384) per month. Neither price reflects to true production cost, but Honda is working hard to drive the price down.

The biggest challenges to wide spread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are their cost and the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations. Honda is working on a Home Energy Station that will allow FCX owners to refuel inside their garage.

Honda's FCX Clarity web site has a lot of great information about the FCX and hydrogen fuel cells in general. I can't wait to see these on Hawaii's roads!