Honda is making a major push into hydrogen fuel cell technology, with plans to expand its offerings and launch a new CR-V-based fuel cell electric vehicle in North America and Japan in 2024.
The automaker has partnered with General Motors to develop a fuel cell system that has a lower cost and greater durability than previous models. The new vehicle will also feature plug-in electric functionality, allowing owners to charge it at home and potentially reducing concerns about limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Overall, Honda is bullish on the future of hydrogen fuel cells and sees it as a key part of its long-term strategy.
See also: Honda teases image of New Generation CR-V using hybrid powertrain
How FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) work with one illustration 💡
FCEVs can draw power from either hydrogen filling or battery charging.#HondaCarbonNeutral #HHonda🫧 pic.twitter.com/ah8ocz3fbA
— Honda (@Honda) February 13, 2023
Honda is committed to advancing fuel cell technology, aiming to make it more affordable and durable. By 2030, the company expects to develop a fuel cell that costs half as much and lasts twice as long as the current system co-created with GM. This could make the price of each unit comparable to that of a diesel engine.
See also: Honda and General Motors Push Ahead with Next-Generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell System
Additionally, Honda is collaborating with Isuzu to create heavy-duty fuel cell trucks, which are expected to undergo on-road demonstrations in Japan by early 2024. In China, Honda is already testing a similar vehicle in partnership with Dongfeng. These efforts demonstrate Honda’s dedication to exploring the potential of fuel cell technology in various types of commercial vehicles.
Honda plans to incorporate fuel cells into construction equipment such as excavators and wheel loaders initially. Additionally, Honda is collaborating with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to develop a “circulative renewable energy system” that utilizes fuel cells powered by solar energy to produce electricity and water from hydrogen and oxygen, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and zero environmental impact.
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