A hydrogen car has seemed like a thing of the future for a while now, but Honda announced that they are going into limited-production on the FCX Clarity. The FCX is, you guessed it, a hydrogen powered car that only emits water vapor, unlike current cars. “These car simply do not pollute,” reads the official website. The car gets an estimated 270 miles per tank, and filling-up takes ‘minutes.’ The technology powering the car isn’t the only “futuristic” aspect. The dashboard layout is pretty cool as well. A virtual display sits behind the steering wheel giving normal information, but also displays energy and hydrogen levels. Also, a navigation system is pre-installed, with features like voice recognition and a rearview camera. An aux jack as well as a USB port is provided. And one personal favorite, a one hit start button is there too. Only one color, Star Garnet Metallic is available currently (most likely more will be available with a wider-release area).

150 cars will be released over the next three years, with the first cars being available to Southern California residents this summer. Why Southern California residents you ask? Because the only hydrogen refueling stations in the US exist down there. People living in Santa Monica, Torrence, and Irvine currently qualify, and only special Honda retailers will handle leasing. The FCX Clarity will be available with a 3-year, $600 lease, and no purchase option is available. Of course, Honda says that more cars will be available when more areas add Hydrogen refueling stations. They also say that they are creating Home Energy Stations to refuel at home. Seems like the technology, and the car, of the future to me. Hopefully they’ll have one in black available soon, then I’ll be happy.

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