For approx. 300 some odd drivers across the U.S.A., it’s free to fill up. All of the cars are part of programs sponsored by GM, BMW, and Honda, designed to show the feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles. General Motors, has 80 Chevrolet Equinox fuel-cell vehicles spread out in CA, D.C., and New York as part of its “Project Driveway” program and BMW is passing out 7 Series Sedan vehicles to some select Hollywood celebrities to drive around in. A personal favorite, Honda, will also begin leasing 200 of its hydrogen fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity, for $600 a month to some of CA’s more influential lot. Looks like I missed the cut once again.

Many of the automakers have said that a major hurdle to mass-production of the new, zero-emission cars is the cost and lack of hydrogen filling stations. So, according to the Houston Chronicle, on June 27, California City Councilman Bill Rosendahl marked the opening of the state’s first public hydrogen station by driving his hydrogen powered Chevy Equinox into the station and filling up. Since all of the cars are a part of these test programs, there is no charge for filling up at any 26 hydrogen stations in the state of CA.

“This is the car of the future,” he said. “Let’s get rid of gasoline.” ( Bill Rosendahl, as quoted in The Houston Chronicle)

Maybe that’s really why our gas prices are going up - gas companies are looking five-years down the road and seeing a shift to more eco-friendly energy sources. The Houston Chronicle article continues by stating that officials see the new hydrogen station as part of the “Hydrogen Highway”, a not-so-distant network of fueling stations to promote hydrogen powered vehicles.