This hydrogen powered Honda CR-V marks the start of another powertrain for the world to accept

Honda has started of producing an all-new variant of the CR-V. Its called the CR-V e:FCEV and it is a full fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)

This CR-V variant is being manufactured right now at just one location and it is at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Ohio.

This CR-V e:FCEV is the only FCEV made in America, as well as the first production hydrogen FCEV in the United States to combine an all-new U.S.-made fuel cell system with plug-in EV charging capability.

This CR-V e:FCEV received a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, combining the fuel cell system with plug-in charging to provide up to 29 miles of emissions free driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refuelling for longer trips.

Interestingly, Honda engineers optimized CR-V e:FCEV’s steering and suspension tuning to deliver the same sporty driving experience and class-leading refinement as turbo and hybrid-powered CR-V models.

Additionally, the e:FCEV driver can customize the driving experience of the e:FCEV with selectable drive modes, including EV modes to maximize efficiency and a Sport mode to prioritize acceleration and responsiveness.

Refuelling with hydrogen takes about the same time as filling a tank with petrol. Recharging the Honda CR-V e:FCEV takes just 1.8-hours using a level 2 charger and adds up to 29 miles of battery-powered range for short trips around town.

PMC Innovations for CR-V e:FCEV Production

Production technicians at PMC navigated several challenges related to new production equipment and processes to effectively transition from building the Acura NSX supercar to the Honda CR-V e:FCEV.  Following is a look at several of these key initiatives.

• New components: PMC technicians are taking on multiple new assembly processes specific to producing a vehicle powered by both a fuel cell system and a plug-in EV battery, requiring multiple connections for the vehicle’s two power sources and the Power Supply Connector that can provide electrical power for various external devices. These include:
• Sub-assembly of two hydrogen tanks, attaching high pressure piping and other parts and then installing the tanks in the vehicle
• Compressing hydrogen to 10,000 PSI via a new onsite station used to fill the CR-V e:FCEV hydrogen fuel tanks
• Installation of the fuel-cell system along with connecting high pressure piping and wiring
• Sub-assembly and installation of the under-floor battery