It is “the only fuel cell electric passenger vehicle manufactured in the USA”
The 2025 Honda CR-V was introduced in the United States, but this is far from an unusual crossover, as indicated by the abbreviation e:FCEV. FCEV stands for «fuel cell electric vehicle», and the manufacturer itself defines the crossover as «the only fuel cell passenger electric vehicle produced in the USA».
Under the hood there is no internal combustion engine, but an electric motor with a power of 274 hp. And it is powered by electricity generated from hydrogen. The tank holds 4.3 kg of fuel, which should be enough for a range of 434 km. However, the Honda CR-V 2025 e:FCEV is not just a fuel cell car, but a rechargeable hybrid: and on a fully charged traction battery with a capacity of 17.7 kWh, the car can travel another 46 km. That is, the total power reserve — 480 km.
CR-V e:FCEV — This is the first Honda model to use the second generation of the fuel cell module: it is manufactured in Michigan and was developed in collaboration with General Motors. The module is touted as more efficient and durable compared to the first generation module. And the cost of producing a fuel cell has been reduced by two thirds.
Honda has realized not only the storage of electricity in the traction battery, but also the return: the crossover can power any electrical appliances with a voltage of 110 V, the maximum output power is 1.5 kW.
Interestingly, the transition to a new power plant entailed an alteration of the suspension (there are McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link in the rear): rigidity was increased by 10% (compared to a car with an internal combustion engine), new anti-roll bars, shock absorbers and springs appeared.
In terms of exterior, the hydrogen CR-V is somewhat different from the regular gasoline version: the front fenders and bumper have changed, and the car has new 18-inch black alloy wheels. Like electric cars, the underbody is completely covered with aerodynamic flaps, which improves aerodynamics and slightly increases range.
If the gasoline Honda CR-V is offered in six trim levels, then the hydrogen version has only one trim level — top Touring. The crossover is equipped with a leather interior, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a Bose sound system with 12 speakers, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, an electric rear door, wireless charging for a smartphone, a media system with a 9-inch touch screen and a digital instrument panel with 10.2-inch diagonal screen.
It is interesting that this model will not go on sale: they plan to rent it in California: this is the only place in the United States where a network of hydrogen filling stations is more or less developed. However, Shell has already announced that it will close seven of its hydrogen filling stations in the state — they are unprofitable. After this, the number of hydrogen refills will be reduced to 48.