We’ve seen this rumor floating around for the past couple days and held off on reporting it until it seemed completely viable. However with both sides now specifically not denying the claims, it appears true. The story originally the German newspaper Wirtschaftswoche but has since spread throughout the web. According to the report GM and... (visit MotoringFile for the full article) More...
Well, it did not work out so well the lat time the Germans tried it. Perhaps they should spend that money on the 2012 WRC season. :lol: Jim
So I believe 2011 is the final year that Honda originally planned to make 200 per year of the FCX Clarity models available for lease ($600/mo incl insurance, maintenance, AND fuel) in southern CA. Per unit production costs dropped from ~$1M in 2005 to something less than $140K in 2009. Seems like the technology is moving closer to being affordable, notwithstanding the challenge of building up a wider network of fast-fill hydrogen refueling stations for all of the non-Left Coasters. The FCX Clarity is a seriously cool vehicle and the demonstrated technology has far greater potential mass appeal than fully electric vehicles with their inherent range and recharging constraints (the former getting better but the latter can't be avoided). I think Honda woke up the rest of the automobile manufacturing world to this potentially massive market opportunity. No wonder James May said that the Clarity is "...the most important car since we started driving them."
Hydrogen fuel cells would be a huge advance in car design. Can't wait for them to become more available and for a wider range of uses. We have a local company that has been on the leading edge of developing these cells. They actually have some systems available that are designed to be used as a backup/replacement system for homeowners.