The 2024 Honda CR-V e:FCEV is Honda’s latest attempt at hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Unlike its competitors, the CR-V e:FCEV offers a plug-in hybrid-like feature, allowing drivers to charge a 17.7 kWh battery for 29 miles of electric-only range. This innovation is aimed at addressing one of the biggest challenges of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – the lack of hydrogen infrastructure.
Comparison: Honda CR-V FCEV vs. Toyota Mirai vs. Hyundai Nexo
Honda CR-V e:FCEV 2024
- Powertrain: Hydrogen Fuel Cell + Plug-in Battery
- Battery Capacity: 17.7 kWh
- Electric-Only Range: 29 miles
- Hydrogen Tank Capacity: 4.3 kg
- EPA Range: 270 miles (29 EV + 241 Hydrogen)
- Refueling Time: 5 minutes (hydrogen)
- Charging Time (Level 2): ~2 hours
- MPG-e (Efficiency): 57 mpg-e
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Space: Reduced due to hydrogen tanks
- Availability: Limited Lease (CA only)
Toyota Mirai
- Powertrain: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
- Battery Capacity: Small buffer battery
- Electric-Only Range: None
- Hydrogen Tank Capacity: 5.6 kg
- EPA Range: 402 miles
- Refueling Time: 5 minutes
- Charging Time (Level 2): N/A
- MPG-e (Efficiency): 74 mpg-e
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Space: Decent but cramped interior
- Availability: Lease & Purchase (CA only)
Hyundai Nexo
- Powertrain: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
- Battery Capacity: Small buffer battery
- Electric-Only Range: None
- Hydrogen Tank Capacity: 6.3 kg
- EPA Range: 380 miles
- Refueling Time: 5 minutes
- Charging Time (Level 2): N/A
- MPG-e (Efficiency): 61 mpg-e
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Space: Good cargo space
- Availability: Limited Lease
Why is the CR-V e:FCEV Popular?
- Hybrid Approach: The ability to drive 29 miles on battery reduces reliance on hydrogen stations.
- Familiar Design: Feels like a standard CR-V rather than a futuristic prototype.
- Quick Refueling: Hydrogen refueling takes only 5 minutes compared to long EV charging times.
- Honda’s Hydrogen Commitment: Honda sees hydrogen as the future, particularly in heavy-duty applications.
Is It the Best FCEV Ever Produced?
While the Honda CR-V e:FCEV introduces a new plug-in hybrid-like feature, it still faces challenges:
- Hydrogen Infrastructure: Limited stations make refueling difficult.
- Lower Efficiency: At 57 mpg-e, it’s less efficient than the Toyota Mirai.
- Limited Production: Honda is producing only a few hundred units, making it more of an experiment than a mainstream option.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is an interesting mix of hydrogen and plug-in electric power.
- While it improves on past FCEVs with an emergency EV mode, hydrogen infrastructure remains the biggest obstacle.
- It’s not the best FCEV in terms of range or efficiency, but it’s the most versatile.
- For those living in California with easy hydrogen access, it’s worth considering.
In the long run, whether hydrogen or battery EVs will dominate remains to be seen, but Honda is keeping its options open with this hybrid approach.
