The hydrogen fuel-cell powered Honda FCX Clarity sedan was declared the 2009 World Green Car. American Honda Motor Co. Inc. announced yesterday at the New York International Auto Show. The FCX Clarity was chosen from an initial entry list of 22 contenders nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries worldwide.
The Clarity, available on a limited lease-basis, is powered by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated by an on-board fuel cell stack. The vehicle’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is up to three times that of a gasoline-powered auto and two times that of a gas-powered hybrid vehicle, Honda reported.
This award is a good sign for hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which has undergone a lot of criticism lately. One of the main issues people have with hydrogen is that there aren’t enough fueling stations in this country to support it. Another one is that one tank of fuel on these vehicles can only take you approximately 100 miles. This recognition will hopefully give this segment a much-needed boost that will fast track it with many other carmakers.
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