Honda launches CR-V e:FCEV with a 621-km range in Japan

The CR-V e:FCEV features Honda’s second-generation fuel cell stack, which uses a solid polymer and generates 92.2 kW of electricity. Two tanks, a 53-litre unit under the rear seat and a 56-litre unit behind the rear seat, store compressed hydrogen at a high pressure of 70 MPa and circulate it through this fuel cell stack.

Customers can fill approximately 4.3 kg of hydrogen in the CR-V e:FCEV’s hydrogen fuel tanks, in just about 3 minutes. Honda also uses a 17.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the compact SUV. Customers can charge it at 6.4 kW using an AC charger with a Type 1 connector in about 2.5 hours.

With the battery pack fully charged and the hydrogen tanks fully fuelled, Honda estimates customers can drive the CR-V e:FCEV up to 621 km non-stop. The range provided by the battery is said to be about 61 kilometres based on the WLTP. Honda employs the MCF91 AC synchronous motor that produces 130 kW and 310 Nm of torque in the plug-in hybrid hydrogen FCEV. The driver can adjust the intensity of the vehicle’s regenerative braking system using paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

The Japanese-spec CR-V e:FCEV features a DC power supply (CHAdeMO) port in the luggage area. According to Honda, customers can plug in a portable power supply device to power a typical household for about four days during an emergency, for example. This method draws energy from the battery pack and the fuel cell system.

Honda manufactures the CR-V e:FCEV at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville (Ohio), USA. Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, a 50:50 Honda-GM joint venture, supplies the fuel cell stack for the plug-in hybrid hydrogen FCEV. It is produced roughly 240 km north in Brownstown (Michigan), USA. The Japanese automaker sources the hydrogen tanks, high-voltage batteries, and other parts from various companies in Japan, China, and other Asian countries. For example, German supplier Vitesco Technologies makes the powertrain in Tianjin, China.

Honda offers the CR-V e:FCEV on lease in Japan in 36 prefectures. The company prices the lease plan of this model based on a retail price of ¥8,094,900 (€47,511).

global.honda (in Japanese), honda.co.jp (in Japanese)