Honda one of several automakers exploring an assortment of alternative fuels, and now it's using the ever-popular CR-V crossover to bring these flexible options to fruition. Meet the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV, the first vehicle in the United States to pair a hydrogen fuel-cell system with the same electric battery and plug-in charging you'd expect from a typical PHEV or EV.
The CR-V e:FCEV makes 174 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque from a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. Energy can be provided by either the hydrogen fuel cell module and 4.3 kg hydrogen tank, or a 17.7 kWh battery pack. The latter enables up to 29 miles of electric-only range, while the hydrogen system alone makes 270 miles of range. While that isn't nearly as much range as a gas, hybrid, or long-range EV, the ability to hook this CR-V up to an electric charger sets it apart from hydrogen-powered vehicles from Toyota and Hyundai, which depend entirely on the unreliable and very limited hydrogen infrastructure.
Another benefit from the PHEV system in particular is a handy bi-directional charging feature, which is similar to those seen on full battery-powered EVs. It uses the energy from the vehicle's battery to juice up a wide variety of electronics and appliances through a 110-volt, 1,500-watt power outlet.
According to Honda, the PHEV powertrain is best for short trips across town, while journeys to more distant places are where the hydrogen system comes into play with its longer-lasting range.
In comparison to the gas-powered CR-V that dominates U.S. roads, this e:FCEV model is set apart by various styling and mechanical adjustments. It starts with a completely different front fascia, which incorporates a smaller front grille and larger lower intakes. There's also a set of clear taillights in the rear. The charging port for the PHEV powertrain is found on the front fenders, while the port for the hydrogen system resides at the rear fenders. Mechanically, Honda claims that the chassis and suspension have been tweaked to accommodate the heftier weight of this powertrain.
The e:FCEV is available in a single trim, and it's none other than the specced-out Touring. That means you'll get a heated front seats––with bio-leather upholstery, of course––along with a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 12-speaker sound system from Bose. There's also a variety of driver-assistance features as part of the Honda Sensing suite.
You won't be seeing this CR-V e:FCEV traversing the roads nearly as often as you would a regular CR-V, as U.S. sales are limited to California in the form of a lease. Production of the e:FCEV will take place at Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, with deliveries beginning later this year. Outside of the United States, this special CR-V will eventually become available in Japan.
Image Credits: Honda
Revealed
Mar 6, 2024
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2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV Is A PHEV That Brings Hydrogen Into The Mix
The alt-fuel CR-V will be exclusive to California, where it will be available to lease.
Honda one of several automakers exploring an assortment of alternative fuels, and now it's using the ever-popular CR-V crossover to bring these flexible options to fruition. Meet the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV, the first vehicle in the United States to pair a hydrogen fuel-cell system with the same electric battery and plug-in charging you'd expect from a typical PHEV or EV.
The CR-V e:FCEV makes 174 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque from a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. Energy can be provided by either the hydrogen fuel cell module and 4.3 kg hydrogen tank, or a 17.7 kWh battery pack. The latter enables up to 29 miles of electric-only range, while the hydrogen system alone makes 270 miles of range. While that isn't nearly as much range as a gas, hybrid, or long-range EV, the ability to hook this CR-V up to an electric charger sets it apart from hydrogen-powered vehicles from Toyota and Hyundai, which depend entirely on the unreliable and very limited hydrogen infrastructure.
Another benefit from the PHEV system in particular is a handy bi-directional charging feature, which is similar to those seen on full battery-powered EVs. It uses the energy from the vehicle's battery to juice up a wide variety of electronics and appliances through a 110-volt, 1,500-watt power outlet.
According to Honda, the PHEV powertrain is best for short trips across town, while journeys to more distant places are where the hydrogen system comes into play with its longer-lasting range.
In comparison to the gas-powered CR-V that dominates U.S. roads, this e:FCEV model is set apart by various styling and mechanical adjustments. It starts with a completely different front fascia, which incorporates a smaller front grille and larger lower intakes. There's also a set of clear taillights in the rear. The charging port for the PHEV powertrain is found on the front fenders, while the port for the hydrogen system resides at the rear fenders. Mechanically, Honda claims that the chassis and suspension have been tweaked to accommodate the heftier weight of this powertrain.
The e:FCEV is available in a single trim, and it's none other than the specced-out Touring. That means you'll get a heated front seats––with bio-leather upholstery, of course––along with a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 12-speaker sound system from Bose. There's also a variety of driver-assistance features as part of the Honda Sensing suite.
You won't be seeing this CR-V e:FCEV traversing the roads nearly as often as you would a regular CR-V, as U.S. sales are limited to California in the form of a lease. Production of the e:FCEV will take place at Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, with deliveries beginning later this year. Outside of the United States, this special CR-V will eventually become available in Japan.