It gives me much hope as well.

Ironically, the next booth over, Toyota introduced the new 13-mpg Sequoia today.

 

The Honda Clarity is great: a step forward in automotive technology.

But....sorry to rain on your parade, but hydrogen isn't all that great. It's okay. But it's definitely not the answer. Let this photo do all the explaining




Both fuel cell and electric vehicle are displayed here, in an optimistic light. In real life, both would be a little less efficient.

There is one, and only one bias here. The fue cell vehicle doens't include regen. That would add a little more efficiency. So the fuel cell vehicle would probably end up with 28kwh, instead of 23kwh. Whatever, the point is that fuel cells have ways to go before becoming great.

Step number one will be increasing the efficiency of the production of hydrogen, and the efficiency of the FCV itself. As of now, FCVs aren't so efficient.

Nonetheless, the Honda Clarity is awesome. Good power output, good looks, good everything! And the Honda Clarity is probably the most advanced fuel cell vehicle to date. Just the fact that it is producible, and ready for public hands, even in a limited release, indicates that it is probably much more refined, and therefore advanced, than other fuel cell cars.

Plus, it makes Honda look cool!

Hopefully fuel cells will be a real contender for the car of the future.

 

I live in SoCal and I will keep an eye out for these this summer! (although I cannot lease one )

 

This is really cool! I saw the concept at the North American Int. Auto Show this past Jan. and the honda rep I talked to said these cars would be on the road by the end of the decade. I didn't believe him, but I guess he wasnt kidding. I always hear 30yrs out and they were a million dollar car that type of stuff. Good job to honda for being the first to market with it! Go Honda!

Here are three pics I took of the concept in Detroit

 

I know Hydrogen has many critics, drawback, miracles-needed, etc... but so many companies are counting on Hydrogen being the future of personal transportation -- Honda, GM, Ford, BMW, just to name a few.

 

Just like oil.... is it possible to run out of Hydrogen?? Don't think about now.. think about it 75 years from now.

Remember, gas was the way to go for a long time until everyone in the world started using it extensively.....

.... Just a small little thought to be placed in the back of your brain....

 

Longevity? cold-weather? Making hydrogen? storing hydrogen? cost? infrastructure? many hurdles, not to mention H2 requires FOUR times the energy to travel down the road as all-electric. wow, I really have to wonder why we call ourselves the top of the food chain.

FOUR times. Yeah, that sounds like a winner...not. Hydrogen hype...have you got it?

 

Good points.

But, I have this nagging feeling that I've heard this same type of skepticism many times before... like 4-7 years ago soon after hybrid vehicles were introduced into the market? How time flies, heh?

Regardless of the feelings of "deja-vu" and how easy it is to dig up detractors to an automotive technological advance, I would gladly lease this vehicle ASAP if I could get my hands on one.
I suspect that while in its infancy, this technology along with Honda's provisioning with Phill would not be a detraction for other folks as well, thus rendering your concerns irrelevant to those of us who see its potential. Really, that is all that is required: A base of folks who are early adopters, nothing more my "priuschat" friend.

Besides (and if you wish), you can find some of the answers to your concerns here:
http://www.fcx.honda.com


Cheers;

MSantos

 

No.

 

To be honest, I don't so much care WHAT the fuel source, hybrid, diesel (well maybe not) electric, hyydgren, compressed air, steam or ????? I LOVE the way the car looks & If it were available where I live & I had the means I WOULD BUY IT!