Honda Motor Co. has joined a public-private partnership to support the development and commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles.
The partnership, H2USA, was formed this month by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Members include Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler AG's Mercedes Benz unit, Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and several other manufacturers, government agencies, gas suppliers and alternative fuel companies.
The companies are studying how to best encourage early adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), in addition to researching solutions for more cost-effective infrastructure to distribute hydrogen fuel.
Honda's FCX Clarity was the first fuel cell electric vehicle available for lease to U.S. retail customers, according to the company.
Steven Center, American Honda's vice president of environmental business development, said in a statement that the company is looking forward to building the infrastructure necessary to eventually roll out FCEVs across the United States.
"This public-private partnership is a necessary step to continue the development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure for FCEV customers and leverage other hydrogen energy sources, including natural gas and renewables, allowing consumers in many parts of the country to take advantage of this clean, low-carbon transportation option."
