Key facts:
Model tested: Honda FCX Clarity
Price: TBC
Date tested: September 2010
Road tester: Martin Gurdon

First Drive
The Honda FCX Clarity is a Ford Mondeo-sized saloon powered by an electric motor with a hydrogen fuel cell.

Unlike battery electric vehicles, which need several hours to recharge, and have a relatively limited range, fuel cell cars can be refuelled in minutes and will travel several hundred miles between fuelling stops. They do not produce greenhouse gases like CO2, only emitting harmless water vapour.

Unlike many previous fuel cell designs, the FCX Clarity isn't a one-off prototype. It's a production car, which Honda is leasing in markets including Japan and America, but British drivers will have to wait before being able to experience such cars.

Honda describes the FCX Clarity as an electric car powered by a fuel cell. Unlike some other fuel cell cars, it hasn't been adapted from an existing conventional model, so there's more flexibility with packaging.

The hydrogen is contained in a boot-mounted, high-pressure 171-litre tank which removes a fair amount of luggage space. Honda reckons refuelling takes about four minutes.

The front wheels are driven by a 100kw, 129bhp electric motor, and the battery provides power for start offs during cold conditions and during rapid acceleration. It also stores electricity created during deceleration and regenerative braking.

The FCX Clarity behaves like a regular automatic. Drive and reverse are selected using a small lever mounted on the right hand side of the instrument cowl. Engage drive and the car will accelerate smoothly and almost silently.

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On the move the electric motor emits a soft whine, and provides strong acceleration rather like a big diesel, with the power delivered consistently.

Lifting the accelerator causes the car to slow rapidly but comfortably. On some electric vehicles this transition can be quite pronounced.

The Honda rides well and quietly, and has direct if lifeless steering. The brakes are strong but feel a bit spongy. The cabin has plenty of space for a quartet of adults, but not room for five.

Honda claims the FCX Clarity can reach 60mph in a little over ten seconds, and has a 100mph maximum speed, with a theoretical range of 270 miles, which is a big improvement on earlier fuel cell cars but still a lot less than the best modern diesels.

Overall, the car feels user-friendly and familiar, and is a good indicator of how fuel cell technology is maturing.

Honda launched the FCX Clarity two years ago, and is limiting production to 200 units. So far just 35 have been built, with most going to Japan or California, where the cars are leased at the equivalent of £384 a month.

Since Britain lacks hydrogen refuelling stations, the company has no immediate plans to bring the car here, but has indicated that it hopes to do so at some point.