Honda provided few further details regarding its next-generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, which will be based on the CR-V. The as-yet-unnamed crossover will be part of the automaker’s push to remove carbon emissions from its lineup.
In a meeting primarily focused on the automaker’s fuel cell business strategy for the future, Honda revealed the packaging of the small crossover, with a fuel cell stack and electric drive motor positioned under the hood and above the front wheels, similar to the internals. CR-V combustion. A hydrogen tank would appear under the rear seat, with another above and just in front of the rear axle – both good locations from a crash safety perspective. An “Intelligent Power Unit” appeared to replace the CR-V’s gas-powered driveshaft, combining the battery, electric inverter and powertrain controls together in a single module.
Honda didn’t specify how big the battery will be, but it will be enough to provide plug-in electric capability, which the automaker confirmed a few months ago. Such a system would allow owners to recharge their SUVs overnight, allow them to drive some distance before turning on the fuel cell and reduce their dependence on hydrogen fueling infrastructure, one of the main problems faced by previous Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity owners. Fuel Cell.
The fuel cell vehicle will be built at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, most famous for being the site of production of the now discontinued NSX. What’s more, Honda will be exporting the Japanese market version of the car from its Ohio facility. Sales in Japan and North America are expected to start around 2024.
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Honda’s next-generation fuel cell, which will appear in the 2024 SUV, was developed in partnership with General Motors. The Japanese automaker claims it costs two-thirds less than the fuel cell found in the Clarity, with twice the durability thanks to more corrosion-resistant materials. Fuel cells also feature faster turn-on times in extremely cold temperatures – minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 30 degrees Celsius).
Representatives from the company also teased a fuel cell system that will follow later this decade, offering half the cost and double the endurance of next year’s units. Automakers hope this will help accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in heavy trucks, construction, shipping and power generation.