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There’s a solar powered car, multiple plug in cars, and now – hydrogen. But don’t think about that old school, sensitive, blows up the Hindenburg over Lakehurst, New Jersey hydrogen. In the 21st century scientists in Japan have harnessed the wild atoms of H and turned it into something that may one day power our vehicles.

Honda hopes to corner the market with this new form of fuel – and has already begun commercial production of their FCX Clarity hydrogen vehicle. Want one? Reach for those check books and get in line early. Honda Motors plans on making 200 units within a year. The price – a $600 monthly leased right now – though 6-bills includes maintenance and repair charges. You also have to live in sunny Southern California – at least it would help, since the few hydrogen refueling stations in the country reside there.

Honda’s FCX Clarity is constructed much like an average Honda – only with a much larger rear tank to hold hydrogen. The element powers a fuel cell, which generates electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery. An electric motor helps the vehicle on its way.

Hydrogen hasn’t had the greatest rap since the 1930′s – it’s combustible and all though it may hold fair amounts of energy it not as powerful a fuel source as straight-up battery or electric (rechargeable) vehicles. Although, hydro does not produce emissions, other than water coming from your tailpipe. And it’s still not a readily available form of energy, so the practical uses are still up for debate. Of course, unlike oil, which will one day be extinct, hydrogen isn’t going anywhere.

But if the boys at Top Gear name it the most important car of the next 100 years, chances are we’ll be hearing more about Clarity from Honda:

Categories: First Look, News
Tags: alternative energy, Features, honda concept, Honda FCX Clarity Hydrogen, honda news, hydrogen car