Hydrogen-powered Honda CR-V debuts in the US; delivers 434 km driving range

KUALA LUMPUR: To achieve carbon neutrality, Honda is not only focusing on electric cars but also exploring hydrogen as an energy source. The automaker recently unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell version of its popular SUV, the CR-V. The Honda CR-V e:FCEV combines a fuel cell setup with a battery pack that supports plug-in charging capability.

The CR-V e:FCEV is built at the brand’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, and is the only fuel cell electric passenger vehicle made in America.

The car is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, tuned to deliver a maximum power of 174 hp and a peak torque of 310 Nm. Its tank can hold 4.3 kg of compressed hydrogen gas, providing a range of 434 km. Also part of the kit is a 17.7-kWh battery pack which can be conveniently charged at home or public EV charging stations and offers an estimated range of 47 km. This feature comes in handy when there is no hydrogen refuelling station nearby.

Just like regular plug-in hybrids and pure EVs, the CR-V e:FCEV also supports bidirectional charging. It comes with a power supply connector that connects to a 110-volt outlet, offering up to 1,500 watts of power. This can be used to power small home appliances, portable air conditioners, power tools, camping equipment, and more.

Honda has also tweaked the structure and suspension of the hydrogen-powered SUV to ensure it drives just as smoothly and handles as well as other CR-V models. Compared to the CR-V turbo and hybrid versions, the e:FCEV is sturdier, with a 10% boost in rear lateral rigidity and a 9% improvement in rear torsional rigidity. The front and rear suspensions have been fine-tuned for better responsiveness and a comfortable ride.

The Honda CR-V e:FCEV boasts a unique exterior design, featuring an exclusive low upright grille design, distinct body panels, specially designed liftgate and rear fascia, signature vertical taillights, and large 18-inch, 10-spoke black wheels. For improved aerodynamics, the SUV is equipped with a full floor undercover, front spoiler, and strake.

The modern, spacious, and comfortable interior of the hydrogen-powered CR-V comes with the following creature comforts -

• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• 9-inch HD touchscreen infotainment unit
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Power adjustable heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual zone climate control
• Parking sensors
• Sustainable materials including bio-based leather seat upholstery

“Leveraging Honda fuel cell technology expertise continues to play a critical role in our global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050,” said Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co. “Honda has laid out an electrification strategy leading to 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040, including the introduction of both battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles like this new CR-V e:FCEV model.”

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV will be offered for lease to customers in California starting later this year.

Also read: New Honda CR-V: A hit among SUV enthusiasts in Malaysia