Apparently, Honda carmakers are trying to cut down on pollution…one hydrogen car at a time. According to a recent article published by the BBC News, Japanese car manufacturer, Honda, has begun the first commercial production of a zero-emission, hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle.

While most people are excited about how Honda’s new production line will affect the future of auto transportation, we still can’t seem to get rid of those pesky critics who are still somewhat skeptical about just how much success the new hydrogen car will have. One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way is the concern that the vehicle will fail to reach a wide audience due to a lack of hydrogen fueling stations. Like any new product (new being the operative word here because most people don’t drive hydrogen-powered cars), it’s going to be met with a certain degree of resistance. But this is a gamble that I’m willing to bet Honda is going to win.

Testing the Waters

Honda says that it expects to lease a few dozen of its hydrogen cars in the United States and Japan this year, followed by approximately 200 more hydrogen vehicles within three years. The hydrogen car will only be available at first in California starting this month and then will be available later this year in Japan. According to executive vice president of American Honda, John Medel stated:

This is an important day in the history of fuel-cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel-cell cars will be part of the mainstream.

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