Honda FCX Clarity news - Hydrogeneration - 2008

CO2-free motoring just got a step closer, as Honda's first hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity has just rolled off the production line.

The FCX is built around a fuel cell stack that uses the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electrical energy, with water the only by-product.

We drove a prototype FCX at the start of the year, and we were impressed by the performance and looks.

The problem, of course, is that there are few places in the world to fill up on hydrogen, which is why Honda is initially only offering the FCX on lease in Japan and California.

Honda says it plans to build some 200 FCXs over the next three years, but even if you're living in the right place, you'll struggle to get your hands on one - most, it would seem, are destined for the hands of Hollywood A-listers.

They should be able to afford the meagre £290 per month leasing cost, at least.

Don't expect to see hydrogen production cars in the UK for a while to come, but Honda has promised that a 'more affordable petrol-electric hybrid car' will arrive on these shores next year.