September 11, 2008

Norm Test Drives New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

Ed Cohen, Honda North America Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs, brought the Honda FCX Clarity to Capitol Hill for a demonstration of the capability of fuel cell powered automobiles.  As Congress is debating an energy bill that seeks to reduce our dependence on imported oil, Norm had the opportunity to experience first-hand this new technology that uses zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell in this all-electric car that gets the equivalent of 79 miles per gallon.

The Honda FCX Clarity is currently only offered for lease in California where hydrogen infrastructure is more developed. While these fuel cell vehicles may still be a number of years away from widespread use, the efforts by Honda, General Motors and other auto manufacturers to develop and utilize alternative, U.S.-produced fuels offer a promising glimpse of a future with cleaner automobiles. 

Washington residents can look forward to a new sales tax break offered to individuals purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. The tax break (9.3 percent in the Seattle Area) will take effect January 1, 2009 and covers vehicles that get at least 40 highway mpg, or vehicles running on natural gas, propane, and hydrogen.

Honda America V.P. Ed Cohen, left, shows Norm under the hood of the Honda Clarity FCX fuel cell powered car in front of the U.S. Capitol.

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