The dream of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has been around for a very long time. While almost every automaker seems to have their own unique vision of what this should be, Honda has actually delivered on its commitment to gas-free, zero-emission cars. The FCX Clarity, which recently debuted, has already made waves in the scientific community, as well as with consumers. What makes the FCX Clarity different from other vehicles?

First, the Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. That means it creates no emissions – none, whatsoever. The only byproduct of driving this car is a small stream of pure H2O; water. You can actually drink what comes out of the vehicle (if you were really thirsty, of course). You’ll also find that the Clarity incorporates a number of innovations that aren’t found on the drawing board of most automakers. How does it differ? What can you expect? Let’s take a quick look.

Fuel Tank – Unlike conventional automobiles, you won’t find a gas tank on the Clarity. You will, however, find a hydrogen fuel tank. That said, you’ll find just one tank, unlike the designs featured by other automakers. Thanks to Honda’s in-depth, innovative research and design, efficiency has increased to the point that only a single hydrogen tank is required, allowing the company to create a cabin with more spacious dimensions.

V Flow Fuel Stacks – The fuel cell stack is responsible for turning the hydrogen in the fuel tank into electricity and then supplying it to the rest of the car. Thanks to Honda’s dedication to innovation, their fuel cells lead the industry in terms of power, reliability and smaller size.

Lithium Ion Battery – Of course, the Clarity is an electric vehicle that produces its own electricity. The lithium-ion battery in the front of the car is responsible for storing this energy and the releasing it as needed during the driving process.

Power Drive Unit – Honda’s unique PDU (Power Drive Unit) is responsible for governing the amount of power distributed throughout the vehicle, ensuring optimum operation at all speeds and under all driving conditions.

Electric Drive Motor – Located in the front of the vehicle, where you’d expect to find an internal combustion engine on other vehicles, you’ll find a compact (but powerful) electric motor. This is what propels the car down the road, featuring quiet, powerful operation, as the well as tremendous reliability that consumers have come to expect from Honda.

That is truly all there is to the vehicle, in terms of technology underlying the streamlined skin of the car. Of course, a quick glance at the attempted fuel cell vehicle designs of other automakers will show you just how much Honda’s offering differs (for the better).

The unique FCX Clarity is set to revolutionize the way consumers drive. It’s already won the 2009 World Green Car award and ranks at the top of safety ratings, performance ratings and reliability charts from every authority. However, don’t expect to see these cars everywhere just yet; the automaker is only releasing about 200 of them over the next three years.