So, what's the story on hydrogen power? Is the production of compressed hydrogen cost effective? How realistic would it be to deploy hydrogen gas service stations nationwide? Is this more daunting than the original deployment of gasoline service stations in the earlier part of the 20th century? Will algore breathe hydrogen gas and combust in an environmental rage?
Honda hits the hydrogen highway
The FCX Clarity fuel cell car is now available, but you're going to have to hit the Golden State to get one.
Honda FCX Clarity
Honda began production of its new FCX Clarity fuel cell car Monday. The Japanese automaker will produce about 200 of them over the next three years. Honda would not say how many will make it to the U.S., but those that do will be leased only in Southern California.
The FCX Clarity converts compressed hydrogen gas into water in a process that releases a stream of electricity that powers the car. Fuel cars are "zero emission" vehicles, releasing only water vapor exhaust. It gets about 79 miles per "gallon equivalent" in city driving and 68 on the highway, according to Honda. (Electric motors produce maximum turning power at low speeds, and the cars have single-speed transmissions, so fuel economy on the highway is lower than in the city.)
In California, a three-year lease will run $600 a month, which includes collision insurance and maintenance.
Honda has previously estimated it will cost about $1 million to build each car.
General Motors already has a test fleet of about 100 fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Equinox SUVs in the hands of "ordinary consumers" in California, New York and Washington D.C.
We were able to test drive an early version of the Honda FCX last year in Washington D.C. The car Honda is now building is nearly identical.
By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer