World Car of the Year has announced that te winner of the 2009 World Green Car Award is the Honda FCX Clarity. Jurors felt that "The FCX clarity is an utterly real, hydrogen-fuelled luxury sedan that provides the amenities people expect in a premium car with 430 km range, fuel consumption of about 3.3 litres/100 km (72 mpg US) equivalent and zero tailpipe emissions. While there is only so much the automotive industry can do when it comes to this technology - governments need to come onboard to help create a true refuelling infrastructure - Honda must be credited for taking a bold step in leasing FCX Clarity to customers in California for US$600 per month. There's still a long way to go before fuel-cell cars will become a commercial success, but hats off to Honda for continuing to advance this expensive technology during a time when every cent counts.."
Now we know that this is just marketing speak, but I do like the $600 lease. As a customer who is in to some adventure, you can get it without too big of a financial risk. Shouldn't governments facilitate this? Thedailygreen also drove the car and is quite positive. However, they conclude with the so true statement: "If the car itself were the only factor, the FCX Clarity would be in showrooms now. But hydrogen costs approximately $10 a gallon equivalent to make, and we're nowhere near having an affordable production plan for these vehicles." Nevertheless, I think we should definitely start using them. Now.
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