Tell me more about the Honda FCX Clarity...?

Question

When is it supposed to be out in America? Price range? Pro's and con's?

Answer 1

Honda plans to lease a limited number of these hydrogen-powered cars in southern California starting in the summer of 2008.  The cost will be about $600 a month, but that will include some insurance and regular maintenance.

The pros of this fuel cell vehicle includes great, equivalent

mileage of 68 mpg.  It's lighter than the prototype and they say it can reach a speed of 100 mph....extraordinary for such a vehicle.  

The cons include the expense (for now) and the limited driving range, which has improved over the prototype, but still only about 270 miles.  The biggest problem is lack of a service infrastructure, but Honda is taking care of that for now by including service in the lease.  The car features a navigation system to help you locate hydrogen stations.  Still, Clarity drivers won't want to venture too far from home in So.Cal in one of these just yet.    

Hopefully, the car will catch hold with the American driver.  Prices will come down, service will become widely available, and maybe someday I can afford one.