Honda's hydrogen fuel-cell car awarded

In London for its 11th annual convention, the Grove Fuel Cell Symposium Steering Committee, made up of leading international fuel cell researchers, energy and climate change experts from the UK and US, awarded Honda its Grove Medal for the manner in which the FCX "shows not only scientific breakthrough but also styling that has captured the public imagination."

Honda's move to small-scale automated production marks a watershed in the introduction of fuel cell vehicles, the Grove Symposium Steering Committee added in its award statement. "The Grove Committee was unanimous in its choice and is delighted to present this year's medal to Honda."

Named after Sir William Grove, the 19th century inventor of the fuel cell, the symposium is one of the academic highlights of the year in the renewable energy industry, covering the social, political, scientific and commercial issues informing recent developments in a fast-changing sector.

The zero-emissions FCX Clarity's all-electric drivetrain draws all its power from a replenishable hydrogen fuel cell. Honda has made it available on limited lease in the US and Japan.

The award follows the Clarity's winning of the 2009 World Green Car title in New York earlier this year. That title is judged by 59 industry figures from 25 countries.