Honda Motor Co. is set to launch a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with recharging capabilities, marking the pioneering entry of a Japanese automaker into this innovative technology. The five-seat crossover, based on the popular CR-V, will roll off the production lines in Ohio, hitting North American markets this spring before making its way to Japan in the summer, as announced by Honda on Wednesday.
While Japanese automakers, particularly Toyota Motor Corp., have shown enthusiasm for hydrogen as an emissions reduction option, the technology has faced sluggish adoption due to high costs and a dearth of refueling infrastructure. Honda aims to tackle this challenge by incorporating electric recharging capabilities into its new vehicle, with the hope of alleviating concerns about the availability of hydrogen stations.
Koichi Ikoma, project leader for the new crossover, commented on the challenges faced by fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), stating, “There is no right answer for FCEVs as yet. We want to provide it as one of the options to customers who are willing to ride the zero-emission wave.”
Honda has opened advance orders for the CR-V e:FCEV, beginning Thursday, though specific pricing details and sales targets remain undisclosed. The crossover will leverage fuel-cell technology developed by Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC, a collaborative effort between Honda and General Motors Co. Notably, the vehicle boasts a range of more than 60 kilometers on a battery charge and over 600 kilometers on hydrogen.
Japan has been at the forefront of hydrogen adoption, having formulated a national hydrogen strategy in 2017, focusing on the promotion of production, transportation, and storage technologies. Fuel cells utilizing hydrogen produce water and electricity, aligning with Japan’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, with Honda targeting 100% electrified cars in its lineup by 2040.
Recognizing the challenge posed by a limited number of hydrogen stations, Honda incorporated the plug-in feature into the CR-V e:FCEV. Junichi Miyahara, Honda’s manager overseeing product planning for the model, stated, “We came up with the plug-in feature to deal with the negative aspect of fewer hydrogen stations.” This innovation allows the new model to be charged at battery charging stations and at home, providing a more versatile solution for consumers.
The move to manufacture the CR-V e:FCEV in Ohio underscores Honda’s commitment to the North American market. Moreover, the introduction of the vehicle in California, where there is an increasing usage of FCEVs and a growing network of hydrogen stations, aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in regions with supportive infrastructure.
