The main difference between hydrogen and petrol cars is that instead of a combustion engine its powered by batteries and an electric motor and rather then filling up with diesel or petrol you fill up with hydrogen. This generates electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen that extends the range when the batteries go flat. The most important fact is zero emissions literally, the only by-product is water. Due to the limited amount of filling stations selling hydrogen, car manufacturers are holding back on the launch of hydrogen cars.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 on it’s way to dealerships from 2010. UK prices are yet to be announced.

As part of the government’s £250m plan to promote low carbon vehicles over the next five years, an incentive of up to £5000 will be offered to get consumers to buy electric or plug-in hybrid cars.The car industry as a whole welcome the plan even though ministers do not expect eligible cars to be in the showrooms until 2010/11. Citroen’s C1 ev’ie costs £16,860 for a VT three-door and rising to £17,700 for a VTR five-door.