Honda will be introducing the next iteration of the CR-V compact crossover with a powertrain that uses both hydrogen fuell cell and plug-in hybrid tech.
The current Honda CR-V Hybrid will serve as the basis for the upcoming version, with the inclusion of hydrogen fuel cells
In a briefing held last February 2, the automaker told members of the automotive press that it will be launching the CR-V fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in Japan and North America by 2024. The model will reportedly use a next-generation fuel cell system developed in partnership with General Motors.
This will comprise a fuel cell stack under the hood and an electric drive motor over the front wheels. Hydrogen tanks will be located under the rear seats and ahead of the rear axle. Meanwhile, the driveshaft will be replaced by an ‘intelligent power unit’ that combines the battery, electric inverter, and powertrain controls.
Honda will showcase a more durable yet cheaper version of its fuel cell tech used on the Clarity FCV
The system is said to cost a third of what it took to develop the one used on the 2019 Clarity FCV, apart from being twice as durable due to the use of corrosion-resistant materials. Plug-in charging allows the lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle exclusively on electricity for a certain distance before being depleted and the fuel cell power unit takes over.
Honda adds that the new CR-V will have a power export function that enables users to power external items, similar to the Pro Power Onboard feature used on the Ford F-150 hybrid pickup.
Feedback from Honda Clarity FCV owners highlighted the need for a backup system when hydrogen refueling was not possible
In combining both plug-in hybrid capability and hydrogen fuel cell power in a single platform, the automaker found its rationale in market research. According to feedback from Clarity FCEV owners, having plug-in electric power as backup helps extend range whenever hydrogen refueling stations are down.
Honda adds that the debut of the fuel-cell CR-V is a prelude to the end of the decade, when it anticipates that fuel-cell use will begin to have wider applications. The model will be built at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio.
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