Honda has taken the motoring world by surprise by announcing at the Tokyo motor show that it will be putting the world’s first Hydrogen fuel cell car into production next year. The car will travel an estimated 270 miles at speeds of up to 100 mph and will produce only water vapor from its exhaust. It is expected to cost around $101,000 (£50,000) and will be available initially only in America and Japan.The Hydrogen automobile will be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show next month and is expected to closely follow the design of the FCX concept car with space for four passengers in its futuristic looking cabin. Instead of a fuel gauge the vehicle will have a range meter that tells you how far you can travel with the Hydrogen left in the tank. It is also expected to feature lithium-ion batteries to recover energy during braking and a gearless transmission.
This is truly incredible news especially given that previous estimates for a viable Hydrogen fuel cell car ranged from 10 years to 20 years in the future. Also, this vehicle will have a modest price tag which means the Hydrogen Honda will cost less than many exotic vehicles available now. The Hydrogen Future is coming sooner than we think.
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/features/article2744803.ece
According to global growth consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan government led initiatives such as the Hydrogen fuel initiative in the United States as well as projects in the European Union are helping to accelerate active research and development technologies in Hydrogen.