Each of these automobiles is run by an electric motor powered by the internal chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, rather than the combustion of gasoline in traditional engines. This means that instead of emitting harmful fumes into the atmosphere, Fuel Cell Vehicles combine hydrogen with oxygen to emit water! Opponents of Fuel Cell technology claim that because hydrogen is harvested from hydrocarbon fuels or through electrolysis powered by the use of other fuels, it is as destructive as traditional carbon engines it replaces. According to Mother Jones, however, electrolysis can be performed using electricity from any type of source, including clean alternatives, such as wind, solar, and biomass power. Joseph J. Romm, in The Hype About Hydrogen, describes the positive and negative aspects of Hydrogen - from its abundance and its clean potential to the difficulties and hazards of storing and transporting the lightest gas.
Another potential hazard is the assorment of metals used in the Lithium-ion batteries used to store power generated by Fuel Cells, in addition to many cell phones and other rechargeable gadgets.Reports are mixed (positive/negative) as to the potential toxicity of these metals when disposed of improperly. Either way, without extensive consumer education and improved availability of recycling drop-offs, the amount of rechargeable batteries entering landfills will grow sharply as rechargeable technology enters more product lines.
Honda FCX Clarity. Honda has just announced that they are commencing with a limited initial release of their all-new Fuel Cell Vehicle beginning Summer 2008. Due to the limited availability of Hydrogen fueling stations, the three-year $600 monthly leases - including both collision service and insurance - will only available to customers in Torrance, Santa Monica, and Irvine.
According to Honda, the FCX Clarity is a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), can drive a range of 270 miles without refueling, and has a top speed of 100 miles per hour.
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