Honda Presents Revamped Hydrogen Vehicle

Washington DC May 11, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that Honda Motor Co. unveiled its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in Washington on Thursday, saying it would begin producing a small number of vehicles next year for use in Japan and the U.S.

The new Honda FCX is sportier and sleeker than the current version, with a top speed of 100 mph. It has a longer range -- 270 miles, up from 210 -- and a fuel cell power system that's 400 pounds lighter.

Steve Ellis, Honda's manager of fuel cell vehicle marketing told the Detroit News that the vehicle is an important tool in reaching out to green-conscious customers. "It will be positioned as the ultimate environmental badge of honor for our customers," he said.

Hydrogen vehicles offer dramatically lower net carbon dioxide emissions and would also help end U.S. dependence on foreign oil. But the main problems are still the expense of building hydrogen fuel cells and the lack of hydrogen fueling stations around the country.

Hydrogen vehicles are being researched by most major automakers, and the industry has spent billions on research.