Another week, another record price for crude oil; Honda officially begins producing its fuel cell car; and a homebrew electric Peugot raises eyebrows in Gaza.

Oil prices hit new high before going into retreat: Energy continues to lead world news this week. Oil prices turned slightly downward late Monday — but not before topping a new all-time high of $139.89 a barrel. Analysts blame the spike on a North Sea platform fire and weakness in the U.S. dollar, which provides the basis of petroleum trading. (CBC)

McCain calls to lift U.S. oil drilling ban: Republican U.S. presidential candidate John McCain has worked hard to reassure environmentalists of his good intentions. But the Arizona Senator’s announcement Monday that he favors the lifting of federal offshore oil drilling restrictions isn’t likely to win him any Green accolades. McCain will formalize his remarks at a speech in Houston Tuesday. McCain says he wants to return drilling decisions to coastal states, but remains opposed to exploration in the Alaskan wilderness. (USA Today)

Honda announces first batch of FCX Clarity lessees, starts production: The age of the fuel cell vehicle has officially arrived. Honda began production Monday of its FCX Clarity with the presentation of ceremonial keys to the first vehicles’ new owners. The hydrogen-powered car has a range of 270 miles, and will be made available in three California test markets for real-world evaluation of its roadability. (AutoBlog Green)

Westinghouse Commits To Green Plug Technology: The movement to standardize device chargers got a boost Monday with Westinghouse’s announcement that it will support Green Plug technology. Green Plug allows devices with a dead battery to communicate its needs to a smart charger. Adoption of Green Plug’s protocols would help reduce the number of proprietary chargers which become e-waste each year. In the long run, it might also allow manufacturers to cease shipping chargers, cutting packaging waste and cost. (Environmental Leader)

Electric Car Conversion Eases Gaza’s Oil Shortage: Thanks to a year-long blockade, conditions in Gaza have become quite difficult. But a pair of Palestinian engineers have come up with a solution to the territory’s fuel shortage: they’ve converted a Peugot 205 sedan to electric power. It works so well — with a range of about 110 miles — that the inventors have fielded about 400 sales inquiries. (Treehugger)

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