Engineering and car manufacturer Honda has unveiled the next generation of domestic hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The Home Energy Station II has been produced in conjunction with the engineering firm Plug Power.

It is hoped that HES II will be able to provide domestic users with power, heating and fuel for their fuel-cell cars.

Honda research and development president, Ben Knight enthused: "We feel that home refuelling could play an important role in the introduction of fuel cell technology and the development of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure."

Dr Roger Saillant, CEO of Plug Power, added: "The development of a home energy station represents an important milestone towards a hydrogen infrastructure and sustainable energy future."

The system is being tested alongside the fuel cell powered 2005 FCX car produced by Honda.

Significantly the new car can start at sub-zero temperatures, a major stumbling block for the commercial development of the technology in the motor industry.