Honda CR-V Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Preview

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are an excellent alternative to pure battery electrics, offering a faster refueling experience with zero tailpipe emissions. Fuel-cell-powered vehicles are exceedingly rare, however, because they are currently only sold by a few automakers and are available only in California. That situation will change in 2024 with the launch of a new Honda CR-V that the automaker says will be the first vehicle in North America to offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system combined with an FCEV powertrain.

Honda will base the new CR-V fuel-cell vehicle on the gas-powered version of the crossover. Honda will manufacture the new SUV at its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, where the automaker recently concluded Acura NSX production. Honda says the location is ideal for the new CR-V because it focuses on hand-assembly and high-performance cars for Acura and Honda racing. The Honda brand may use a few unique colors on the new FCEV, as Acura offers a few PMC Edition vehicles with stunning exclusive paint jobs.

Honda hasn't elaborated on powertrain specs, but we can take a few details from what we know about plug-in powertrains and FCEVs. Since they generate electricity using hydrogen reactions, FCEVs have smaller batteries than plug-in hybrids, so the new CR-V may have a shorter plug-in range than other PHEVs. It's also possible that Honda installs a larger battery to make the new crossover function like a normal PHEV, only paired with a hydrogen powertrain instead of gas.

Honda will release more information as we get closer to the CR-V FCEV's release date in 2024. The automaker says the new crossover is part of its goal to shift 100 percent of its global auto sales to electric and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. The company is aiming for complete carbon neutrality in all its products by 2050.

Honda and the author's speculation are the sources of information in this article. It was accurate as of November 30, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.