Honda's Hydrogen: Not 100% Pollution Free

Honda's new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell car is kind to the environment, but its fuel is not 100% environment friendly.

The Honda Corporation has operated an experimental home hydrogen energy station since 2003, in Torrance, California. The purpose for developing a commercial hydrogen station for the home is to provide electricity, heat, and for refueling hydrogen vehicles. The fourth prototype station was developed in 2007, said to be smaller and more efficient. The only commercial hydrogen fuel stations, in 2008, are in Southern California.

Honda claims that the CO2 emissions from the new home energy station are 30% less than homes using commercial electricity and gasoline engine automobiles. The pollution comes from the production of hydrogen fuel using natural gas. Natural gas is a fossil fuel, and its carbon dioxide release adds to the greenhouse effect. The technology is in early developmental stages. Steam used to change natural gas is the current process for producing hydrogen fuel. Natural gas, however, is becoming more expensive due to scarcity. Other energy sources for producing hydrogen fuel is in the research stage.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting a "Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies Program" with the help of several federal laboratories, universities, and industry. By combining these programs DOE hopes to produce a synergy effect from the different approaches to hydrogen fuel research. In layman's terms the research is currently focused on the smallest atomic particles and their binding relationship to determine the best hydrogen fuel possibilities.

The Honda FCX Clarity

The new zero emission hydrogen cars and fueling stations are here to stay. Home hydrogen energy stations will be on the market in a few years. The Honda web site advertises the lease cost of its hydrogen fuel cell Honda FCX Clarity and fuel station locations, but the fuel cost is not apparent.

The Clarity is propelled by electricity and hydrogen, and only water is emitted through the tail pipe. Honda claims the vehicle is three times more efficient than a gas powered car, and two times more efficient than a gas-electric hybrid.

In 2008, Honda expects to lease a few cars at $600 a month, but in the next three years the corporation expects to sell or lease about 200 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In June, 2008, the first Honda zero-emission car came from the Japanese production line, and was then shipped to California.

Honda claims that the FCX Clarity can travel 270 miles before refueling. The .gov hydrogen site estimates 200 miles before hydrogen fuel cell refueling is required.

Jamie Lee Curtis and husband Christopher Guest, producer Ron Yerxa, and actress Laura Harris placed their orders for the FCX Clarity. Harris plays Marie Warner in the TV show "24."

Sources:
Honda Corp.
www.nrel.gov/hydrogen