The Honda FCX has become the first fuel cell vehicle in the world to receive government certification, paving the way for the commercial use of fuel cell vehicles, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have certified the hydrogen-powered Honda FCX as meeting all applicable standards. The FCX has been certified by CARB as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and by the EPA as a Tier-2 Bin 1, National Low Emission Vehicle (NLEV), the lowest national emission rating. The FCX will also meet applicable U.S. safety and occupant protection standards.
"This is an important milestone for the automobile industry that holds the promise of cleaner air for all Americans," said Jeff Holmstead, assistant administrator of the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "While there still remains much work ahead to make fuel cell vehicles a mainstream transportation option, this certification is an important first step."Honda will start a lease program for a limited number of FCXs in the U.S and Japan by the end of this year. During the first two-to-three-year period, Honda will lease about 30 fuel cell vehicles in California and the Tokyo metropolitan area, two locations with access to a hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure. The company currently has no plans, however, for mass-market sales of fuel cell vehicles.