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Here’s How Much It Costs To Refill A Hydrogen-powered Honda CR-V Ever since Honda discontinued the Clarity FCV in 2021, the Japanese brand has operated in the U.S. without a hydrogen offering. This is due to change as the brand is set to introduce an all-new CR-V e:FCEV for the 2025 model year. This is an exciting new inclusion that also improves its electrified and crossover portfolios, granting it significantly more appeal than the niche Clarity. The CR-V e:FCEV is an overall improved product compared to its predecessor, but there are some areas where it doesn't quite match up. Regardless, it is a necessary and important inclusion, as it diversifies Honda's eco-friendly alternate fuel offering, which experts consider a better approach than throwing all of your eggs into the battery electrification industry. If you're a California resident and think the CR-V e:FCEV is worth considering, this is everything you need to know about how much it'll cost to fill the tank with hydrogen. Honda solves the issue of full hydrogen dependence by making the CR-V e:FCEV it the first-ever plug-in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle sold in the U.S. This means it runs on a conventional FCEV system, which is supplemented by a separate plug-in electrical system. Collectively, the system produces 174 horsepower and 229 pound-feet to the front wheels. Honda fails to issue a claimed 0-60 MPH time, but to put things into perspective, the Sport Touring Hybrid takes 7.9 seconds to complete the same sprint. Honda CR-V e:FCEV Powertrain Specs
(Specifications sourced from Honda) The EPA estimates this revolutionary drivetrain system will return a 61/52/57 MPGe energy consumption average on the city/highway/combined cycle. This isn't the same level of efficiency you get from a conventional PHEV, but it's much more efficient than HEVs. For reference, the Sport Touring Hybrid returns a 27/32/29 MPG estimate from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. It'll Cost $154.80 To Refill The Honda CR-V e:FCEVHydrogen is a very expensive fuel in the U.S., with prices currently sitting at $36 per kilogram, but experts across the world are working on making this fuel source cheaper by means of improving production, distribution, and storage methods. Currently, you would have to pay $154.80 to refill the CR-V e:FCEV's 4.3-kilogram tank, which translates to a substantially higher running cost compared to the conventional gasoline or hybrid CR-V models. Honda hasn't divulged whether its FCEV crossover will benefit from the same complementary $15,000 fuel allowance that you get when you buy or lease the Toyota Mirai or Hyundai Nexo. This should be a certainty, considering Honda offered the same allowance for new Clarity FCV buyers. Without this, the CR-V e:FCEV would be a struggle to market, even with its supplementary PHEV system. The Honda CR-V e:FCEV Covers 270 Miles On A TankUsing hydrogen only, the CR-V e:FCEV covers an EPA-estimated 270 miles on a single tank, which is far less than the Clarity FCV's estimated 360-mile range claim. However, the electric hybrid system supplements this with an additional 29-mile range estimate on a single charge from its 17.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Honda CR-V e:FCEV Energy Consumption
(Specifications sourced from Honda) Californian drivers average around 12,500 miles a year, so you can expect to be filling the CR-V e:FCEV's tank 46 times. This equates to spending $7,281.60 on hydrogen every year. Even with the $15,000 stipend, this amount makes the CR-V e:FCEV viable for drivers who cover significantly shorter distances. It's also worth noting that the PHEV system will lower this running cost, as its battery will cost anywhere between $2.22 to $7.43 to recharge, depending on which city you reside in. The Honda CR-V e:FCEV Doesn't Emit Tailpipe EmissionsThe Honda CR-V e:FCEV is a completely emissions-free crossover, as the only byproduct from the hydrogen system's energy-creating process is water. FCV owners also get the privilege of an HOV carpool sticker, allowing you to take the CR-V e:FCEV into the less-congested lane during rush hour driving times. FCEVs create energy by mixing hydrogen with oxygen sourced from the car's air intake system in the same manner an ICE would. However, instead of using a combustion process, it conducts a reverse electrolysis electrochemical reaction. Honda builds the CR-V e:FCEV using the same Advanced Compatibility Engineering architecture applied to most of its global production cars. The range also benefits from the Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies. The CR-V e:FCEV adopts a slightly different visual appearance, particularly at the front, when compared to the ICE CR-V. Here you'll find a more distinctive fascia, including an aggressive bumper with wider air intakes and more distinctive fenders. Honda hasn't released an official drag coefficient figure for the CR-V e:FCEV, but it's likely to be close to the standard CR-V's 0.33 Cd. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV Exterior Dimensions
The rear adopts clear taillights, which seem like a homage to 2000s street cat culture, but this is about the only difference between the hydrogen and ICE derivatives. Honda still needs to reveal the bulk of the model's official figures and pricing. We are sure to get these closer to the 2025 model-year release date. How The Honda CR-V e:FCEV Compares To Other CR-VsHonda ensures the CR-V e:FCEV matches the ICE CR-V's handling characteristics by optimizing the structure and suspension. This includes revisions to the front MacPherson strut and rear multilink suspension, resulting in the rear lateral rigidity increasing by 10 percent, and torsional rigidity by nine percent. The interior is almost indistinguishable from the conventional models, as it bears the same clean surfaces and premium finishes. These include the metal honeycomb mesh inserts on the dashboard, the 10.2-inch digital instrumentation, and the 9.0-inch HD touchscreen system. Additional standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Hydrogen Is Expensive In The U.S.Hydrogen car owners currently have access to 59 different hydrogen stations located throughout California. You'll find most of these in San Francisco and Los Angeles, but there are some facilities in Sacramento and other smaller cities and towns.
The network was more comprehensive until Shell recently closed seven hydrogen stations. This came as a considerable blow to the small but dedicated FCEV community, as it impacted the fuel's viability and practicality. However, Shell closed these stations because of how limited FCV usage currently is in California. This very conundrum is why hydrogen remains a struggle in the USA, but some dedicated firms and companies are working hard to change this. The Department of Energy is heading-up a project that motivates key hydrogen suppliers and developers to construct 50 new FCEV hydrogen in the USA. They will build a bulk of these in California, but it will break ground on five northeastern state locations, further improving the viability of hydrogen cars for American road users.
They call it the H2USA campaign,and it involves a collection of federal agencies, automakers, hydrogen providers, fuel cell developers, national laboratories, and additional stakeholders to improve the country's hydrogen supply network. Electrification benefits from the bulk of the industry's attention and investment, with over 160,000 charging stations currently active, but hydrogen remains a valiant and admirable endeavor to diversify green fuels and lower the national carbon footprint. Honda Still Values Hydrogen TechnologyBeyond the e:FCEV, Honda's hydrogen department confirms some big plans it has in store over the coming years. Four core domains will carry out the Japanese brand's comprehensive strategy. These include FCEVs, commercial vehicles, power stations, and construction machinery. Initial production supports Honda's initiatives, with plans to expand external deliveries. Honda is currently testing stationary fuel cell power stations in California and Japan. Future commercial units will feature improved Honda fuel-cell systems. Honda is also working with Isuzu to co-develop zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, with plans for market introduction in 2027. Honda is also exploring fuel cell applications for construction equipment and space technologies.
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