By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
Hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology is by far the most popular technology in development for creating zero-emission vehicles that will help the United States become less dependant on foreign oil.
BMW, General Motors and Ford currently have fuel cell vehicles on the road in various parts of the country, albeit in limited numbers.
Honda used the Los Angeles International Auto Show to reveal its competitor among zero emission vehicles, the FCX Clarity. Designed to be the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity could possibly turn out to be the iconic face of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles just like the Toyota Prius is to gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles.
Unlike BMW’s Hydrogen 7 and Ford’s hydrogen bus, the FCX Clarity will be sold and serviced at Honda dealerships. The system of leasing out the FCX Clarity should be very similar to that to the electric GM EV1 – hopefully with a more positive outcome for the both vehicle and its technology.
Honda’s fuel cell system combines a lithium ion battery pack and a 5,000-psi, trunk-mounted, hydrogen storage tank to create electricity to power the FCX Clarity’s electric drive motor. Scientifically speaking, hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen are combined in the fuel cell stack (located in the vehicle’s center tunnel between the front seats) producing a chemical reaction that transforms the energy into electricity for the electric motors. Additionally, regenerative braking and vehicle deceleration produce excess energy that is stored back into the battery pack, and supplements power from the fuel cell when needed.
Advanced lightweight components are utilized in the FCX’s powertrain to improve performance and efficiency. Honda expects that the FCX Clarity will have a range of 270 miles on a single tank of hydrogen fuel.
The design of the FCX Clarity is almost identical to the 2006 Honda FCX Concept. With a long sloping windshield and a short hood, the front of the FCX Clarity resembles the latest Honda Civic. The hatchback design in the rear maximizes cargo space since the hydrogen fuel tank takes up most of the space a traditional car could offer in the trunk.
Just because it’s a green machine, the FCX Clarity will sport the latest in luxury and convenient vehicle options. Besides the full array of safety features that Honda vehicles are renowned for, the FCX will incorporate a navigation system that locates hydrogen-fueling stations, climate-controlled seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera. Honda will also equip the FCX with interior surfaces made from a highly durable plant-based, bio-fabric materials resistant to wear, stretching and damage from the sunlight.
While critics may argue that the production of hydrogen will still produce carbon dioxide (CO2), Honda claims that the most popular and inefficient hydrogen production still emits less than half of the CO2 emitted from a conventional gasoline vehicle. The most common method of hydrogen production uses natural gas, but electrolysis from solar, wind or nuclear could be used in the future to form hydrogen fuel that would almost eliminate CO2 emissions.
Starting next summer, the 2009 Honda FCX Clarity will be available for retail leasing. Initially, the FCX Clarity will launch in Los Angeles through retail outlets on a three-year lease term at $600 per month. The monthly payment will cover the vehicle’s maintenance and collision insurance. 
