Honda has announced that it will start renting its fuel-cell vehicles out to individual customers in the US by the end of 2005, reports Fuel Cell Today.

The move, announced at the North American International Auto Show this week, will make the company the first automaker to rent out fuel cell vehicles privately.

Honda and Toyota both already rent out fuel cell vehicles to corporate and government bodies in Japan and the US.

The scheme is expected to focus initially on California, which boasts a comprehensive network of hydrogen filling stations, making it easier for drivers to use their vehicles.

The cost at present for a Honda FCX fuel cell is $500 (£160) a month, the same cost as for corporations.

The 2005 FCX is the world's most advanced fuel cell vehicle and the only one to receive certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California's Air Resources Board (CARB).

The fuel cell is powered by Honda's originally developed fuel cell stack, with the breakthrough ability to start and operate in below freezing temperatures.