The New Honda FCX

Have you ever had to roll up your windows to keep from choking on the exhaust from an older car in front of you? Did you wish that car was a Zero-Emission Vehicle like the brand new Honda FCX?

The only emission that the FCX produces is water vapor. That's because a new technology allows the FCX to power its motor with electricity generated from a hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction. With a maximum output of 80 horsepower, the FCX has responsive acceleration that is ideal for city driving. Plus, the FCX is practical for a wide range of typical daily driving trips in today's world. In July 2002, Honda's FCX was certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, making it the first and only fuel cell car in history to be approved for commercial use. CARB and the EPA have also certified the FCX as a Zero-Emission Vehicle.In December 2002, the city of Los Angeles began leasing the first of five Honda FCXs, which are now used in normal, everyday activities by city officials. And as the official pace car of the L.A. Marathon for five consecutive years, the FCX has proudly served in some not-so-everyday activities as well. While the 2005 Honda FCX is the second-generation fuel cell vehicle it is the first to be powered by a Honda designed and manufactured fuel cell stack. And it has been certified by both the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board for commercial use. The 2005 FCX achieves a nearly 20-percent improvement in its EPA fuel economy rating and a 33-percent gain in peak power (107 hp vs. 80 hp) compared to the 2004 FCX. With an EPA city/highway rating of 62/51 mpkg (57mpkg combined) and an EPA-rated driving range of 190 miles, the hydrogen-powered FCX delivers nearly a 20-percent improvement in fuel efficiency and range versus the 2004 model with an EPA rating of 51/46 mpkg and a range of 160 miles. In terms of energy efficiency, one mile per kilogram (mpkg) of hydrogen is almost equivalent to one mile per gallon (mpg) of gasoline. The hydrogen-powered Honda FCX has been certified the lowest possible national emission rating. The FCX is a technology of the future that's becoming more and more prevalent today.

Keep an eye out for FCX sightings-because you definitely won't smell them coming.