Fuel cells are beginning to experience a similar evolution as computers did when they moved from room-sized single function monsters to sleek Blackberries. Honda’s new fuel stack relies on smaller, lighter fuel cells to maximize capacity and reduce the weight of the vehicle.

Under the hood of Honda’s soon to be released FCX Clarity is a tidy little fuel cell stack that is 30% lighter than previous models. The fuel cell stack is small enough to be tucked between seats like an armrest. This enabled Honda to reduce the size of the vehicle overall and improve its aerodynamics while preserving interior space. The batteries are no longer the nickel metal hydride batteries of yesteryear; the new fuel cells are made of lithium ion, the same stuff that powers your cell phone, digital camera and other gadgets.

Fuel cells cars are gaining attention because they do not emit CO2 either at all or as much as previous cars with combustion engines. Automakers also generally pair fuel cells with new efficiency measures or hybrid engines, allowing drivers to get farther on less fuel. The Clarity, for instance, has three times the fuel economy of gas powered vehicles in the same weight class.

Read more at MSNBC.