http://www.performanceautoblog.com/hydrogen-cars-give-environment-wallets-breakHydrogen Cars Making Their Way to NebraskaPerformance Automotive Blog

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While hydrogen-powered cars have already made their debut on the west coast, we here in Nebraska are still waiting. According to Toyota, Honda and Daimler, we could see hydrogen cars hitting Nebraska roads in the next five years.

Hydrogen cars will give us a break at the gas pump and lessen our dependence upon foreign oil. Since hydrogen is made from renewable sources, we will no longer have a need to spend excessive amounts for gasoline.

While some hydrogen cars will use internal combustion, most will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity and give off only heat and water as byproducts. As a result, our impact on the environment is greatly reduced. Unlike many electric cars, though, hydrogen cars don’t sacrifice performance for environmental-friendliness.

Hydrogen vehicles give drivers great performance and most of them drive nearly 25 percent further on a full tank than gasoline powered vehicles. The only problem is finding a place to refuel your hydrogen vehicle. California currently has 68 hydrogen fuel stations with 37 more in the works. In Nebraska, stations will become available as more hydrogen vehicles start hitting showroom floors.

Honda released the first production line built hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2008. The Honda FCX Clarity is currently only offered for lease in California. It has a 240 mile driving range and a zero-emissions rating. Its only byproduct is water vapor.

Many of the hydrogen vehicles slowly making their way to the market have a hefty price tag of well over $100,000, but Toyota recently released a statement saying their hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan will sell for around $50,000. Considering Toyota cars’ excellent performance records and dependability, along with all the money drivers will save on gasoline, $50,000 is a fairly reasonable price. That car should hit Nebraska showrooms in 2015.

If you’ve been looking at all-electric vehicles but have been held back by their slower performance and limited mileage, a hydrogen vehicle may be right for you. It could be a great way to give your wallet and the environment a break.

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