The Japanese company Honda Motor began producing passenger vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells back in 2002, but by 2021 it discontinued the then-current Clarity model, promising to reconsider its strategy in the production of such vehicles. Honda is ready to return to the market this year, offering customers in the US and Japan the CR-V e:FCEV crossover, which combines hydrogen fuel cells and the function of recharging the traction battery from an external electrical network.
To a certain extent, as Nikkei Asian Review explains, this unusual hybrid is a compromise. Firstly, the use of the platform of the CR-V crossover, popular on the market, guarantees stable demand for the car and also reduces the cost of developing a new model. Secondly, it was possible to save money on the development of new generation fuel cells, since the technology was mainly borrowed from General Motors. Finally, the car's ability to replenish up to 60 km of range at conventional plug-in charging stations is intended to alleviate customer concerns about the limited adoption of hydrogen refueling stations.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV will launch in Japan and California this summer. This American state was chosen due to the popularity in the local market of all cars with outlandish power plants that allow them to take care of the environment. In addition, there is a network of hydrogen filling stations, and this will make it easier for owners to operate the car. A full tank of hydrogen can be refilled in one to three minutes, after which you can drive more than 600 km on this fuel supply, emitting only water vapor as exhaust. The on-board power system of the crossover is also designed to supply electricity to external consumers. This can be useful not only when organizing outdoor recreation, but also during natural disasters.
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