New Honda CR-V e:FCEV Combines Hydrogen Fuel Cell with Plug-In Charging

The new Honda CR-V e:FCEV is the first vehicle in the US that combines a hydrogen fuel cell system with plug-in charging.

Previously, Honda US announced its hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) production plan, with the new sixth-gen CR-V being the first model to get this carbon-neutral makeover. After more than a year since that announcement, Honda US has finally revealed the first iteration of this hydrogen project, known as the Honda CR-V e:FCEV.

As its name suggests, this new CR-V comes with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain setup while also bringing in plug-in hybrid (PHEV)-like charging capabilities, making it the first of its kind in the US market.

The CR-V e:FCEV benefits from an FCEV system plus a small 17.7-kWh rechargeable battery pack, both powering up its FWD electric motor setup.

This PHEV-FCEV setup starts with a single, front-mounted (FWD) electric motor setup rated at 174 HP (130 kW) and 311 NM, juiced by either a fuel cell module with a 4.3 KG hydrogen tank or the small 17.7-kWh PHEV battery pack. This whole setup garners the CR-V e:FCEV with a maximum EPA range of 435 KM, which is quite subpar compared to standard ICE-based hybrids out there.

Thanks to its dual-nature powertrain setup, the CR-V e:FCEV can also be charged via a normal EV charger, with said battery pack granting it an EV-only range of 47 KM. Although this may sound miniscule compared to newer PHEVs out there, this addition will be helpful in minimising the impact of poor hydrogen infrastructure in certain parts of the country.

As per any PHEV out there, the CR-V e:FCEV also supports bi-directional charging, meaning that you can use its small battery pack to power up any small electrical appliances. This can be done via its 110-volt power outlet, which can deliver up to 1,500 watts of power.

The CR-V e:FCEV boasts some minor design tweaks over its ICE-based counterparts.

On the design front, the CR-V e:FCEV looks somewhat similar to other ICE-based sixth-gen CR-V models with some minor tweaks. The most notable change is its reworked front fascia, featuring a slimmer front grille with a larger intake. The LED taillights also feature clear lenses instead of red ones, with an e:FCEV emblem placed beneath them. Meanwhile, the charging port is mounted on the front fenders, while the hydrogen fuel port is located at the rear fenders.

Elsewhere, Honda engineers have also tweaked the CR-V e:FCEV’s chassis and suspension settings in order to adapt to the increased weight from its combined powertrain setup.

The US-based CR-V e:FCEV comes exclusively in the high-spec Touring trim, garnering it some modern creature comforts inside the cabin. Standard equipment present here includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch central infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, heated and ventilated front seats wrapped in bio-based leather, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and an array of ADAS functions courtesy of the Honda Sensing suite.

The Honda CR-V e:FCEV will be offered exclusively in a leasing program, starting with the Californian market later this year.

Set to be manufactured at Honda USA’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, the all-new Honda CR-V e:FCEV will be available for customer leasing in California beginning later this year. Aside from the US, numerous reports also suggested that the CR-V e:FCEV might also be introduced in other hydrogen-friendly markets, like Japan.