Honda has unveiled its hydrogen gasoline cell-powered CR-V, scheduled to go in the marketplace in Japan later this yr. In fact, it is not fully unveiled, as a result of the prototype wears a molecules-morphing-into-circuit board camouflage wrap. Not surprisingly, the CR-V will largely have the identical form as the present gasoline and hybrid fashions.
The CR-V FCEV is engineered to run on a hydrogen gasoline cell, which converts the compressed gasoline into electrical energy that drives the automotive. Nevertheless, what units it other than different hydrogen gasoline cell automobiles just like the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo is that it has a lithium-ion battery pack that may be charged through plug. It will perform equally to a plug-in hybrid, simply with out the gasoline half.
Meaning the CR-V will be capable to run solely on that battery for quite a few miles, to this point unknown, earlier than the twin H2 tanks kick in. That is stated to mitigate considerations about discovering a hydrogen filling station, that are nonetheless few and much between within the U.S.
The CR-V will even have energy export capabilities. An accompanying video exhibits a driver plugging in a transportable espresso maker to the automotive whereas taking a break from driving via lush seaside landscapes in Japan.
It needs to be famous that the present, sixth-generation Honda CR-V isn’t offered in Japan. Meaning it could exist solely as a hydrogen gasoline cell EV when it returns to that market. Gasoline and hybrid CR-Vs will proceed to be out there within the U.S.
Visually, the FCV is distinguished from different CR-Vs by clear taillights and a charging port door on the left aspect entrance fender.
Honda has stated it plans to construct solely 2,000 of those vehicles yearly. A portion of that allotment will go to Common Motors, with which Honda has a expertise sharing partnership. They are going to be constructed at Honda’s Efficiency Manufacturing Middle, or PMC, in Ohio, the place the second-generation NSX was constructed.
The CR-V gasoline cell car unofficially replaces the Readability, which was discontinued in 2021. It isn’t but identified whether or not it will likely be provided outdoors California.