Races? Well probably not, but if you're worried that "doing the right thing" means having to endure a boring car you're dead wrong. While the combined gas/electric output is only rated at 93-hp (don't ask me how Honda added 85 and 13 to come up with this number), its 105 lb-ft of torque allows the Civic Hybrid to accelerate with surprising athleticism, spinning the front tires at will and zipping to 100 km/h in a reasonable 11 seconds - 1.8 seconds slower than the Civic DX but 2 seconds quicker than the Toyota Prius. It seems even more adept at highway speed passing maneuvers. Slot the floor mounted shifter into the 'S' position and step all the way down on the accelerator pedal for spirited performance that quickly puts slow moving traffic into your rearview mirror. Truly, if it wasn't for a flashy digital gauge showing charging and assist levels neatly integrated into the otherwise normal looking gauge package... and the rather strange shifting CVT transmission... OK, and the fact that the engine stops running at stoplights, the driving experience would hardly be different than a regular Civic.
So, where is Honda taking this technology in the near future? A recent announcement has turned what seemed to be distant dream into reality as the Honda FCX becomes the first hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle in the world to receive government certification. It meets all applicable standards according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB gives it a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) certification and the EPA a Tier-2 Bin 1, National Low Emission Vehicle (NLEV) stamp of approval, the lowest national emission rating. The FCX marks another environmentally-friendly first for Honda, and another reason for the eco-conscious to choose the Japanese company as their transportation company of choice.