Very like Toyota and BMW, Honda is adamant that hydrogen has a spot within the automotive business. It is working with Normal Motors on a next-generation fuel-cell system that may go into an upcoming FCEV based mostly on the CR-V. Teased in a brand new video, the crossover is popping out this 12 months as an oblique alternative for the Readability sedan, which was retired in 2021.
Honda is doing issues in another way this time round because the new mannequin will mix a gasoline cell with a battery pack. The promo exhibits the advantages of bidirectional charging because the proprietor powers his espresso maker at a distant location by utilizing the battery’s juice. Later within the video, we will see him going to a hydrogen fueling station to fill the pair of rear-mounted H2 tanks.
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There are a number of battery-powered EVs on sale with this performance, with notable examples being the Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 / Genesis GV60, Nissan Leaf, Ford F-150 Lightning, and some Volkswagen fashions from the ID. lineup. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has this performance as properly.
Throwing a battery pack into the combination ought to assist curb vary nervousness, particularly because the hydrogen fueling infrastructure leaves lots to be desired. Honda isn’t prepared to enter specifics simply but however we do know the CR-V FCEV goes to be made on the Efficiency Manufacturing Middle (PMC) in Ohio. Sure, that is the place the Acura NSX used to roll off the meeting line till the hybrid supercar was discontinued in November 2022. Even the JDM-spec model can be imported from the PMC web site.
The video’s launch comes mere days after Shell introduced plans to completely shut all seven hydrogen stations in California. The explanation we’re bringing this up is as a result of the outdated Readability Gas Cell was accessible to lease solely within the Golden State.
The prototype featured on this video sporting a blue wrap seems to be the US model judging by the obligatory orange facet markers. In comparison with a daily CR-V, this one has clear taillights and a charging port on the driving force’s facet entrance fender to recharge the battery or energy dwelling home equipment or different units. It is unclear whether or not Honda is holding the CR-V identify or it intends to make use of one thing else.
Honda has mentioned the gasoline cell system can be two-thirds less expensive to construct and twice as sturdy. When it arrives later this 12 months, the CR-V FCEV is about to turn out to be the one fuel-cell electrical passenger automobile made in America.
It will compete in a rarified phase since hydrogen vehicles are few and much between in 2024. Toyota has the Japan-made Mirai – which it admits has not been profitable – and Hyundai has promised {that a} subsequent technology of its Korean-built Nexo can be launched in 2025.
