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:

Honda is really testing the power of future fuel technologies at this year’s Los Angeles Auto show – with the introduction of their Hydrogen powered concept vehicle. The FC Sport is destined to be one of the most high tech and lighter than air coupes to ever hit the road (or maybe the sky?). It’s only a research and design model right now, but if this three-seater, eco-friendly ride catches enough attention (and fuel prices keep surging globally) development could begin in the near future.

According to the official Honda Press Release: “The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain…The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.”