Hydrogen-Powered Honda CR-V to Be Built in the U.S. Starting in 2024

Honda announced plans for a fuel-cell version of the CR-V.This hydrogen-powered version of the compact SUV will be built in the U.S. starting in 2024.It will likely look similar to the standard CR-V, but with a few visual tweaks.

Honda is giving the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle another try with a new version of the popular CR-V crossover that will be built in Ohio starting in 2024. It will serve as a replacement for the Clarity Fuel Cell, a hydrogen-powered sedan offered in California from 2017 to 2020. Interestingly, this new model will also offer plug-in capability for its battery pack to allow it to offer a small amount of electric-only range without having to rely on its hydrogen supply.

This fuel-cell vehicle will look just like the standard CR-V inside and out, save for a few small visual differences such as badging, trim, and possibly different headlights and taillights. Details are slim on the new powertrain, but we know that it will use a new power unit that’s a collaboration with General Motors. This fuel-cell unit, which essentially turns the liquid hydrogen into electricity to power the electric motor, is said to improve upon the old Clarity’s powertrain and also uses 80 percent less platinum than before.

Like in the Clarity, the power unit fits entirely under the hood, and the CR-V’s boxier SUV shape should help with interior packaging as well, meaning the gas model’s roomy five-seat interior layout should be preserved. The hydrogen tank will be mounted in the rear, however, which could compromise cargo space somewhat.

The concept of a plug-in hydrogen vehicle is a new one, and Honda says that this will allow owners to charge the CR-V just like a plug-in hybrid or an EV to replenish the car’s battery pack. This likely won’t allow for much driving range, as fuel-cell vehicles only have small battery packs, but it could offer a bit more flexibility, at least around town, if you need a bit of extra range in a pinch or to get to a fueling station.

The fuel-cell CR-V will join the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo as the sole hydrogen vehicles sold in the States. Honda will likely release more information and specifications over the course of the next year as it prepares to start production of this new model in 2024.

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