Some California drivers will find an interesting new leasing option at the local Honda dealer. The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV, but it’s not quite what they might expect.
A Unique Plug-In Hybrid SUV
Honda has long been known for experimenting with exciting concepts, but only some have made it to an actual Honda dealer. The 2025 CR-V e:FCEV is further out there than most. This plug-in hybrid features a hydrogen powertrain.
How It Works
The CR-V e:FCEV is unique in that it features a 4.3 kg hydrogen tank in addition to a 17.7 kWh battery pack and front-mounted electric motor. According to EPA estimates, the electric SUV has a range of up to 270 miles and can travel up to 29 miles on electricity only.
The electric motor in the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV puts out 174 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power for most daily uses.
In addition to consuming power, Honda’s unique new hybrid SUV can also deliver it. The CR-V e:FCEV is capable of bidirectional charging and can deliver up to 1,500 watts of power via a 110-volt outlet.
How It’s Different
According to the designers, this version of the CR-V is quite different from the ones most drivers see at the Honda dealer. To accommodate the fuel cells, the designers had to retune the suspension, adding new stabilizer bars, springs, and dampers.
The e:FCEV is also unusual because it features a fully closed floor to reduce wind resistance and improve range. Appearance-wise, it looks similar aside from the front bumper and fenders, taillights, and tailgate, all of which have been redesigned.
Of course, the most significant change is the addition of the new fuel cell module. Honda developed the technology in conjunction with GM, and the automaker claims it’s a considerable improvement over the automaker’s previous attempts, found in the short-lived Honda Clarity.
The new and improved fuel cells are more durable and efficient, but that’s not the top advantage. They’re also 66% less expensive to manufacture, making the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV and future vehicles that use the technology more affordable.
Accommodating Infrastructure Challenges
The primary problem with hydrogen fuel cell technology isn’t design feasibility or cost-effectiveness. It’s a lack of infrastructure.
Honda is facing this challenge head-on in two ways. First, they won’t be available at just any Honda dealer. The automaker is making these unique new hybrid vehicles available for lease only in California, where the infrastructure for hydrogen-powered cars is best.
Second, and more importantly, Honda has included a traditional plug-in EV component. The ability to use charging infrastructure already well-established in the state for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids could help drivers overcome concerns about adopting a new technology.
For now, most experts view the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV as more of a proof of concept than a viable alternative to traditional EVs. With the proper infrastructure in place, it could be the first of many hydrogen plug-ins. Only time will tell.
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