Honda reveals CR-V e:FCEV with plug-in charging

Honda Motor Co today held the world premiere of the production model of the CR-V e:FCEV, an all-new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan and the USA this year.

The CR-V e:FCEV has been showcased at the International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo (February 28-March 1, 2024) at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. With the introduction of the CR-V e:FCEV, Honda will be the first Japanese automaker to launch an FCEV model featuring a plug-in charging function that enables charging of the onboard battery from an external power source. Without compromising the advantages of an FCEV, such as long driving range and a short hydrogen refuelling time, the addition of a plug-in feature to charge the battery at home and/ or on the go further enhances the convenience of FCEVs.

The CR-V e:FCEV is expected to offer more than 600km (372 miles) of range on a full tank of hydrogen, with an additional battery-powered EV range of more than 60km (37 miles) measured by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

The CR-V e:FCEV will be equipped with the fuel cell system co-developed by Honda and General Motors (GM) and produced by their joint venture company, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (in Michigan, USA). The eco-friendly SUV will be produced at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Centre (in Ohio, USA) and exported to Japan. Following the introduction in Japan, sales in North America are scheduled to begin before the end of 2024.

The CR-V e:FCEV is equipped with a fuel cell system co-developed with GM.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRV e:FCEV

E-Life Generator: Honda states that the CR-V e:FCEV has been developed as a practical FCEV for customers; combining the rugged driving performance and functionality of an SUV with a short hydrogen refuelling time, approximately 3 minutes, for stress-free long-distance driving. The plug-in charging feature offers users the convenience of an EV for everyday driving.

Moreover, in addition to the high-output power supply through an external power output device, the user can also use electricity from the CR-V e:FCEV more easily through a dedicated power output connector that plugs into the vehicle’s normal charging port. Such external power output features will offer customers convenience and peace of mind in a wide range of situations where electricity supply is needed for everyday and recreational activities as well as during power outages.

Optimised packaging: The CR-V e:FCEV features a cabin as spacious as the CR-V base model. As for the cargo space, the packaging team adopted an idea to take advantage of the protruding shape of the 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.

Eco-friendly interior: Without compromising the high-quality and toughness of the CR-V interior, the CR-V e:FCEV offers a style unique to a user-friendly and environmentally responsible FCEV, including the use of a bio-based synthetic leather for the seats.

Fuel cell system: The CR-V e:FCEV is equipped with a fuel cell system co-developed with GM. Compared to the fuel cell system in the 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the overall cost of the new system has been reduced by two-thirds through a reduction in the amount of platinium used and the number of cells, as well as the positive effects of scaling up production.

Durability of the system has doubled, and low temperature resistance has increased significantly compared to the previous system. In addition, power unit components, centring on the fuel cell system, have been integrated to realise a compact and lightweight power unit, which has also contributed to the cost reduction and enhancement of passive safety performance by enabling use of the original engine mount of the base CR-V model. Furthermore, compared to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, vibration and noise have been significantly reduced, greatly improving the quality of the driving experience.

Charging and output functions: For the alternating current (AC) charging/ output connector for the CR-V e:FCEV, the SAE J1772, the Level 2 charging standard in Japan and the US has been adopted, which enables users to plug in the CR-V e: FCEV to a household AC electrical outlet for convenient charging of the onboard battery. Moreover, the CR-V e:FCEV features a function for external output of AC 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. This enables the CR-V e:FCEV to serve as a power source during power outages as well as for outdoor recreational activities.

The Japanese version of the CR-V e:FCEV is equipped with a direct current (DC) output connector based on the CHAdeMO standard. By connecting the output connector located in the cargo space to a portable external power output device, such as the Power Exporter e:6000 or Power Exporter 9000, the CR-V e:FCEVcan realise high-output external power and serve as a power source in case of an emergency and/ or for an outdoor event.