It's a gas... as Cable goes green in new car

Business Secretary Vince Cable prepares to take the world's only commercially available fuel-cell car for a spin following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Sep 2010, 10:33 BST

Updated 15th Sep 2010, 10:33 BST

The minister is one of the first drivers in Britain to test Honda's hydrogen-powered vehicle and said he was keen to learn more about zero emission technology. The car is not available for sale yet but 200 vehicles are being leased in Japan and America as part of a research programme, with two taken on a European tour.

Mr Cable said yesterday: "The Government is keen to encourage all forms of low-carbon vehicle technology such as hydrogen fuel cells, hybrids or significantly more efficient conventional vehicles.

"This is part of our push to stimulate the market for green motoring and give consumers greater choice."

The FCX Clarity weighs 1,625kg, typical of a large saloon, and 171 litres of compressed hydrogen in its tank is enough fuel for it to travel about 285 miles.

It has a top speed of 100mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in about 10 seconds.