Honda unveils CR-V e:FCEV

Honda has unveiled the CR-V e:FCEV, an all-new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan later this year.

The launch of CR-V e:FCEV makes Honda the first Japanese vehicle manufacturer to launch an FCEV model featuring a plug-in charging function that enables charging of an onboard battery from an external power source. Without compromising the advantages of an FCEV, such as long driving range and short hydrogen refuelling time, the addition of a plug-in feature to charge the battery at home or on the go further enhances the convenience of FCEVs.

The CR-V e:FCEV is expected to offer a range of more than 600km on a full tank of hydrogen and additional battery-powered EV range of more than 60km. As with the recently launched sixth generation CR-V, the CR-V e:FCEV will accommodate the diverse needs of individual customers with excellent utility and packaging unique to an SUV.

The CR-V e:FCEV will be equipped with the fuel cell system that was co-developed by Honda and General Motors. Compared to the system used in the 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the overall cost of the new system was reduced to one third through a reduction in the amount of platinum used and the number of cells, as well as the positive effects of scaling up production. Power unit components, centring on the fuel cell system, have been integrated to realise a compact and lightweight power unit. Noise and vibration were significantly reduced, greatly improving the quality of the driving experience.

Unique design features

The CR-V e:FCEV was developed as a practical FCEV that will appeal to a wider variety of customers, combining the rugged driving performance and functionality of an SUV with a short hydrogen refuelling time of approximately three minutes. This results in stress-free long-distance driving and the plug-in charging nature that offers the convenience of EV driving on a daily basis.

The CR-V e:FCEV features an exterior design that expresses an intelligent and dynamic appearance unique only to FCEVs, and based on the themes, clean tough and iconic.

The CR-V e:FCEV features a cabin as spacious as the CR-V base model. 

The interior offers a style unique to a user friendly and environmentally responsible vehicle like the FCEV, including the use of an environmentally responsible bio-based synthetic leather for the seats, without compromising on the high quality and toughness of the CR-V interior.

In the cargo area, the packaging team adopted the idea of the protruding hydrogen tank to realise a two-level cargo space using a flexible board, featuring a flat and large luggage space and an upper storage level for easy organisation of smaller items.

Practicality built in

The CR-V e:FCEV can be charged via a normal AC electrical outlet. In addition the CR-V e:FCEV features a function for external output of electricity to a maximum of 1500W by plugging in the Honda Power Supply Connector, an AC external charging connector, to a normal charging port of the vehicle, enabling it to serve as a power source during power outages as well as for outdoor recreational activities.

Local availability

The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is yet to be confirmed for local introduction.