Honda to debut hydrogen fuel-cell car in 2008

However, Honda now intends to put a third-generation FCX into low-rate production from 2008 and lease it to an unspecified number of individuals in the US and Japan (“many, many more”, apparently).

The big snag for FCX drivers will be filling up with hydrogen. There is only one hydrogen station in DC and a handful more in California. With the FCX predicted to achieve no more than 270 miles on a tank of hydrogen, that could limit the customer base and usefulness. However, Honda says it is working with Shell, Chevron, and BP on this. Furthermore, the firm intends to produce a “home energy centre” which will use domestic natural gas to produce both hydrogen for the car and electricity to supplement the domestic mains supply. This won’t be ready in time for the new FCX launch, though.

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