Honda plans hydrogen car for U.S.

Washington -- Honda plans to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell sedan in the United States next year with a mass-market hybrid on sale by 2009.

The Japanese carmaker said at a Washington demonstration that its envisioned auto would be priced less than the current $25,000 Civic hybrid but be big enough for a family, USA Today reported Thursday.

Fuel cell vehicles are electric-powered, combining hydrogen gas and air to generate electricity to power the vehicle and keep a big battery pack charged. Their only exhaust emission is water.

Honda says it is working with Shell, Chevron, BP and Air Products to develop hydrogen fueling stations that could be used by motorists.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.