High pollution has always overshadowed good mileage provided by diesel engines and zero-emission feature of fuel cell based vehicles has always been eclipsed by their bulky nature. Honda's new technological advancements look to answer these limitations.

Latest innovation from Japanese automobile giant, Honda is a fuel cell car, planned for launch in 2008 in US & Japan. The car has a streamlined and slick look. Also, a cleaner and advanced diesel engine was unveiled. Honda displayed these developments recently at its Tokyo based research facility.

FCX based fuel cell car drove silently & smoothly at 100 miles/hr in a test drive. The car is powered by hydrogen, which combines with oxygen present in air to produce water vapors. Compared to fuel cell stack developed by Honda in 2003, the new stack is 20 % smaller and can rest between the two seats in front. Compared to 2003 version, it weighs around 148 pounds, 2/3rd of its predecessor.

"In near future, Fuel cells will work as efficient petroleum alternatives. The use of FCVs will reduce global dependence on petroleum. For example, if just 20 percent of cars used fuel cells, U.S. can reduce oil imports by 1.5 million barrels everyday", according to a report "Market for Fuel Cell Technology (2006-2007)" published by RNCOS.

Among other developments, Honda plans the launch of a next generation car powered by diesel in US in the next three years. Diesel is gaining popularity worldwide due to high mileage and automobile industry working towards decreasing pollution emitted by diesel engines. Honda claims to meet world's toughest standards used in California, with its new engine.

The key component used in the engine is a catalytic converter, which can covert nitrogen oxide to nitrogen by generating ammonia. Already, Diesel engines worldwide are using ammonia to decrease Nitrogen Oxide but Honda claims a better and more efficient engine than others.

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