Despite strong support from Gov. Arnold
Schwartzenegger, zero-emissions vehicles in California are a long ways off — but automakers are working on it. GM, BMW
and Honda are working towards fuel-cell vehicles for the state.
BMW reported that it expects to have 7-series vehicles “in the hundreds” by 2010 that are combination gasoline engine
and fuel cell-powered vehicles. GM, working on revamping the GMC Sequel demonstration vehicle, said it would complete
its feasability study by 2010 but could not comment on a production or marketing timetable. Honda, which has lent its
fuel cell vehicle to a California family for testing, says that its priorities have shifted from high-mileage gasoline
engine vehicles to gasoline-electric hybrids to fuel cells.