What looks like a regular CR-V from the outside packs a large-capacity battery pack, a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell setup. The biggest takeaway from its exterior styling is the placement of two flaps — one for the battery and one for hydrogen refill — in case you miss the e:FCEV badging.
The major selling point about the CR-V e:FCEV is the battery pack that can be charged with an external power source. Honda says this should further boost the convenience and use case for the fuel cell crossover. However, the battery pack, which contains a capacity of 17.7kWh, is good for an electric range of only 60km on a single charge. While the battery pack doesn’t offer fast charging, users get the option to use the battery pack as a power source for small appliances carrying a capacity of up to 1500W.
Speaking of the powertrain, the CR-V e:FCEV packs in an electric motor, which puts out 176PS of power and 310Nm of torque. Its fuel cell operates with a 4.3kg hydrogen tank, which is good for a certified range of over 600km on a single refill. The new-gen fuel cell powertrain of the CR-V has been co-developed with GM and is said to cost two-thirds less than that of the Honda Clarity. Regarding refill, it takes around 3 minutes but finding a hydrogen fuel station could be a task in North America.
Recently, Shell pulled the plug on its 7 hydrogen fuel stations in California due to multiple challenges like demand and transportation.
To support the change in weight distribution, Honda has retuned the suspension setting, as a result, the lateral and torsional rigidity at the rear are up by 10% and 9% respectively.
Furthermore, Honda has changed the stabiliser bars, dampers and springs for the McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Lastly, the new CR-V e:FCEV will go on sale in Japan this summer while North American residents will get the option to lease the crossover in the Touring guise later this year.