Hydrogen-Powered 2025 Honda CR-V: Brewing Coffee While on the Go

Efficient SUV with Two-Way Charging Battery Unveiled

Similar to Toyota and BMW, Honda strongly believes that hydrogen has a significant role to play in the automotive sector. Through its partnership with General Motors, the company is developing an advanced fuel-cell system for the upcoming FCEV, which will be based on the popular CR-V model. A teaser video has been released, revealing that the crossover will be launched later this year as an alternative to the recently discontinued Clarity sedan.Corrected: Just like Toyota and BMW, Honda is unwavering in its belief that hydrogen will play a crucial role in the automotive industry. Collaborating with General Motors, they are currently working on a state-of-the-art fuel-cell system for their upcoming FCEV, which is set to be based on the ever-popular CR-V model. With a teaser video already released, the highly anticipated crossover is expected to hit the market this year as a substitute for the retired Clarity sedan.

Honda is taking a unique approach with their latest model, as it combines both a fuel cell and battery pack. The promotional video highlights the advantages of bidirectional charging, with the owner successfully powering his coffee maker in a remote area by utilizing the energy stored in the battery. Later on, the footage also showcases the owner refueling at a hydrogen station to replenish the pair of rear-mounted H2 tanks.

Many electric vehicles powered by batteries offer this feature, including popular options like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 / Genesis GV60, Nissan Leaf, Ford F-150 Lightning, and several models from Volkswagen’s ID. series. Notably, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also includes this capability.

The addition of a battery pack is expected to alleviate concerns about the limited range, which is a common worry among consumers due to the inadequate hydrogen fueling infrastructure. While Honda has not revealed exact details, it has been confirmed that the CR-V FCEV will be manufactured at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) located in Ohio. Interestingly, this is the same facility where the Acura NSX was previously produced before its discontinuation in November 2022. Even the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version will be sourced from this plant.

The release of the video coincides with Shell’s recent announcement of permanently shutting down all seven hydrogen stations in California. We bring this to light because the previous Clarity Fuel Cell model was solely available for leasing in this particular state.

【Honda Stories動画】水素で走る　CR-VベースFCEVデザイナーが込めた想いとは

The model showcased in this video, sporting a stylish blue wrap, seems to be the American variation based on the obligatory orange side indicators. In contrast to a typical CR-V, this particular one boasts transparent tail lights and a charging point located on the driver’s side front wing to replenish the battery or supply electricity to household devices. It remains uncertain whether Honda will stick with the CR-V moniker or opt for an alternative name.

Honda recently announced that their new fuel cell system will have a reduced construction cost of 66 percent and a lifespan twice as long. The CR-V FCEV, expected to hit the market later this year, will be the sole fuel-cell powered passenger car manufactured in the United States.The latest statement from Honda reveals that their upcoming fuel cell system will come with a substantially lower production price by 66% and a doubled longevity compared to its predecessors. Upon release later this year, Americans can expect the new CR-V FCEV to be the sole domestically-produced fuel-cell electric car for passenger transportation.

In the year 2024, there will be a limited number of hydrogen cars in the market, making it a highly competitive segment. Currently, Toyota’s Japanese-manufactured Mirai is one of the few options available, but the company acknowledges that it has not been as successful as expected. Meanwhile, Hyundai has announced plans to introduce a new and improved version of their Korean-made Nexo in the year 2025.

Source: Honda