Honda's fuel cell,FCX Clarity

Have you seen the new Honda FCX Clarity? I say BRAVO to Honda for bringing this technology to the market. A car with zero emissions that runs from a V Flow fuel cell that generates electricity. The fuel cell stack (Honda calls it) converts Hydrogen and Oxygen into electricity. The electricity is then stored in a lithium ion battery and the car is powered by an electric motor. There is zero emissions unless you count a small amount of water vapor which is harmless to the environment. How the internal workings function seems to be a secret on Honda's website.

The Honda FCX Clarity is scheduled to be released this summer 2008 with a limited release due to the non existence of Hydrogen fueling stations. The cost to own one of these environment friendly vehicles; three year lease at $600/month. This seems a bit high but I guess that's what it takes to be one of the first to own this cutting edge technology.

My question is where is the American auto makers with their competitive offering to this new technology? Part of this question can be answered by another post I recently read. Using Vegetable Oil in your car instead of gasoline? Prepare to be fined. This post states a man was fined $1000 for not paying fuel tax and he was told to expect another $1000 fine from the federal government. We currently have the technology to run autos from water now. I guess the government just cant figure out how to tax water yet.

Here is an interesting fact for you. My Dad has a 1919 Model T Ford he drives it quite often in the summer. He figures it gets close to 38 miles per gallon on average. It is not the fastest thing you ever drove but it sure does ride smooth. So after 90 years why has there not been major improvements in fuel mileage. We have the technology! I give kudos to Honda for busting out on the market with the hydrogen car. So where is American auto makers at with their version? I think we need to step up and get on the cutting edge of new technology. We could help the environment and we could all breath a little easier.