The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is about to make historical past as the primary hydrogen-powered automobile to take part within the famend “Race to the Clouds” on the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb, as introduced by the Japanese automaker on Friday.
Engineers from the Honda of America Race Crew (HART), Honda R&D Japan, and Honda Racing Company USA (HRC US) have ready the CR-V e:FCEV for this difficult 12.42-mile course that includes 156 turns. It will likely be pushed by Dai Yoshihara, a two-time Formulation Drift champion and previous winner at Pikes Peak.
The manufacturing mannequin of the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV will compete within the exhibition class with none modifications to its zero-emissions powertrain, which incorporates the second-generation Honda gas cell system, a front-mounted single motor, a 17.7 kWh battery pack, and two high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
Manufactured on the Honda Efficiency Manufacturing Heart (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, the CR-V e:FCEV is the one gas cell electrical passenger automobile produced within the U.S. and the primary to mix hydrogen gas cell expertise with plug-in hybrid capabilities. The one alterations made for competitors are a 1-inch lowered suspension, specialised racing brake pads, light-weight 18-inch wheels, and 265/45R18 Yokohama Advan A052 tires. Moreover, customized security options resembling a racing seat and security cage have been built-in by engineers at HART and PMC.
Hydrogen refueling for the CR-V e:FCEV throughout the occasion will likely be supplied by Zero Emission Industries (ZEI), using their moveable FTcase hydrogen refueling resolution, which permits for secure and environment friendly refueling with minimal experience.
Recognized for its elevation of 14,115 ft, the Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb is without doubt one of the oldest motorsport competitions in America. Since its inception in 1916, drivers from varied automotive disciplines have raced towards the clock on this demanding mountain course, which begins at 9,390 ft.
Honda has a proud legacy of zero-emissions competitors at Pikes Peak, starting with their entry into the first-ever “EV Class” in 1994. That yr, driver Katy Endicott drove an EV-converted Honda Civic wagon to win with a time of 15:44.7. In following years, Honda persistently achieved high honors within the EV class, together with victories in 1999 and 2014, in addition to notable performances with modern EV ideas in subsequent years.
The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV boasts a driving vary of 270 miles, leveraging a U.S.-made gas cell system paired with plug-in charging functionality that permits for about 29 miles of electrical driving earlier than utilizing hydrogen for longer journeys.
Out there for buyer leasing in California, the CR-V e:FCEV represents the primary use of Honda’s second-generation gas cell system, which gives enhanced sturdiness, effectivity, refinement, and decreased prices in comparison with earlier fashions.
Dai Yoshihara has a strong historical past at Pikes Peak, attaining an Limitless Class victory in 2020 and a second-place end within the Exhibition Class in 2022. In 2023, he started competing for Honda within the TC America Championship, profitable a number of races and ending fourth total for the season. He has additionally raced a Civic Sort R TCR within the IMSA Michelin Pilot Problem class since 2024.
— Blagojce Krivevski, June 15, 2025
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