Page last updated at 14:15 GMT, Monday, 16 June 2008 15:15 UK
Honda makes first hydrogen cars
Honda claims the FCX Clarity will help cut pollution and fuel wastage
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Japanese car manufacturer Honda has
begun the first commercial production of a zero-emission, hydrogen
fuel-cell powered vehicle.
The four-seater, called FCX Clarity, runs on electricity produced by combining hydrogen with oxygen, and emits water vapour.
Honda claims the vehicle offers three times better fuel efficiency than a traditional, petrol-powered car.
Honda plans to produce 200 of the cars over the next three years.
One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of
wider adoption of fuel-cell vehicles is the lack of hydrogen fuelling
stations.
"This is an important day in the history of fuel-cell vehicle
technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel-cell cars
will be part of the mainstream," said John Mendel, executive vice
president of American Honda.
HOW A HYDROGEN (PROTON EXCHANGE) FUEL CELL WORKS
1 Hydrogen: Constantly pumped in at negative terminal
2 Oxygen: Pumped in at opposite positive terminal
3 Catalyst: Helps electrons break free from hydrogen atoms
4 Membrane: Allows hydrogen ions through but blocks electrons
5 Circuit: Electrons flow through circuit to positive terminal
6 Electrons and hydrogen ions combine with oxygen, forming water