Is Honda's FCX Clarity the Wave of the Future?

I am completely obsessed with Honda’s FCX Clarity. I’m sure that if Einstein were alive, he would own this car. The FCX Clarity is a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Say that ten times fast. What that means is that it’s not a hybrid because it doesn’t use gasoline at all. It’s also not an electric car that you plug-in to recharge the battery. It does have an electric motor but the electricity is generated by the fuel cell in the vehicle. The fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and emits only water vapor and heat. The vehicle has a full cabin, all the standard features of a "normal" Honda (airbags, GPS capability, MP3 compatibility, rear view camera, etc.), comfy seats made with material derived from plants, even a great dash that features a power output meter that measures energy use. It comes in a deep metallic red color (Honda calls it Star Garnet). The range is about 270 miles.

The good news is that this is not science fiction or some super secret project set to be ready in 25 years. Honda will begin leasing the FCX Clarity NEXT SUMMER!

The bad news is that only a select number of vehicles will be available to lease, and only in certain Southern California locations. The reason is that, as you have probably noticed, there are not many hydrogen fuel stations elsewhere in the country.

No word yet on when the FCX Clarity will go mainstream. The Checkered Blog will keep you posted!

Here’s the New York Times take on the FCX...and some more from USA Today...