| Amidst growing concerns regarding the negative | | | | for Honda's test run of the FCX Clarity because the |
| environmental impact automobiles have had on the | | | | hydrogen fueling station infrastructure is already in |
| planet, alternative and clean fuel technologies have | | | | place. The vehicle is expected to travel approximately |
| become increasingly important. | | | | 240 miles on one tank of hydrogen fuel. Initial studies |
| In recent years, oil prices have skyrocketed and | | | | have shown that the vehicle experiences much less |
| become relatively unstable. This has led auto | | | | wear and tear than the standard internal combustion |
| manufacturers to develop hybrid gas-electric systems | | | | gasoline engine. This will result in both low fuel and |
| that have become extremely popular in the United | | | | maintenance costs for consumers. |
| States and abroad. Some innovative automakers are | | | | Unfortunately, neither the American nor international |
| taking this idea a step further, researching zero | | | | auto markets are prepared to embrace and support |
| emission clean fuel technologies such as hydrogen | | | | this clean technology. In order to make hydrogen fuel |
| fuel cells. Fuel cell vehicles combine high-pressure | | | | cell technology viable worldwide, further development |
| hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air in a chemical | | | | of cost-effective parts, manufacturing processes, |
| process that produces electricity. The electricity is | | | | and fueling stations is required. The cost of materials |
| then stored in the fuel cells and is used to power an | | | | and production of the fuel cells required to power the |
| electric motor. Only water and heat are emitted | | | | vehicles raises the retail price to a point that is out of |
| during this process and no harmful chemicals are | | | | reach for a majority of consumers. Also, public |
| released into the atmosphere. Due to its efficiency | | | | refueling stations are absurdly expensive to produce |
| and cleanliness, hydrogen fuel cell technology has | | | | and maintain. Many of the current locations |
| been heralded as the answer for zero-emission | | | | throughout California are maintained by educational or |
| transportation. | | | | governmental organizations. Honda is currently |
| While this may seem like a futuristic concept, Honda | | | | working to develop a home fueling station that |
| Motor Company is close to making it a reality with | | | | utilizes natural gas to create hydrogen right in the |
| the limited release of the FCX Clarity in regions of | | | | owner's garage. |
| southern California. Approximately 200 of these cars | | | | It is critical for this and other zero-emission |
| will be leased to consumers for three year terms at | | | | technologies to become viable in the very near |
| $600 per month, which includes all maintenance for | | | | future in order to preserve our automobile culture. |
| the vehicle. Southern California was the ideal location | | | | |