Honda Tests Hydrogen-Powered FCX with Private Family for First Time

As a part of the 48-month long test, the family will use their blue and silver

Jon Spallino hugs his daughter Adrianna, 10, as the family receives their 2005 Honda FCX, an advanced hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, during a news conference introducing the vehicle, Wednesday, June 29, 2005 in Los Angeles. (Photo: American Honda)

four-seat FCX as daily transportation, to run errands, take the kids to and from school, groceries, and anything else they need to do. John will use the FCX for his 80-mile round-trip commute to and from his home in Redondo Beach, and work place in Irvine, California.

There is a price to be paid by the Spallinos, of course, one that no doubt will be saved at the pump. The Californian family will pay a lease price of $500 USD per month, which includes insurance, maintenance and, of course, the use of the vehicle.

The Spallinos were amongst the first to be contacted for the trial as they are currently owners of a natural-gas powered Honda Civic GX, and are familiar with the inconveniences of finding refueling stations that

The Californian family will pay a lease price of $500 USD per month, which includes insurance, maintenance and, of course, the use of the vehicle. (Photo: American Honda)

stock natural gas. With approximately thirty hydrogen-fueling stations in the United States, the issue of 'gassing up' might be a little more difficult with the FCX. Fortunately, with half the hydrogen fueling stations located in California, luck is on the family's side.

Spallino counts at least four stations on his daily trip, including one at Honda's Torrance, California headquarters, and another at the Los Angeles' International Airport. Interestingly, the fueling depot at LAX won't be open to the public for another five years, although it will be available for government use and now the Spallino family to refuel their environmentally friendly Honda.