Honda has begun the first commercial production of a zero-emission, hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle. Honda is to produce 200 models of the FCX Clarity over the next three years. Honda claims the vehicle offers three times better fuel efficiency than a traditional, gasoline-powered car as it runs on just hydrogen and electricity, emitting only water vapour. The first five customers are all based in southern California because of the proximity of hydrogen fuelling stations, Honda said. As well as author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis, first customers include 'Cold Mountain' film producer Ron Yerxa, business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon and '24' actress Laura Harris. The car will initially be available for lease in California starting in July, and then in Japan later this year. "This is an important day in the history of fuel-cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel cell cars will be part of the mainstream," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. Honda says it expects to lease a few dozen units in the US and Japan in 2008, and about 200 units within three years. It said the cost of the car, on a three-year lease, would be £300 a month. Watch footage of the Honda FCX Clarity below: