The Japanese automaker only plans to lease 70 units of the CR-V e:FCEV in its home market in the first year
Japan’s automakers, most notably Toyota, have embraced hydrogen as one option to reduce emissions, although the technology has been slow to gain adoption due to high prices and a lack of refueling infrastructure. By adding electric recharging capabilities, Honda is betting that it can ease drivers’ anxiety over finding hydrogen stations.
Honda says it will release its new hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid car in Japan for the first tomorrow (Friday), ten days after it became available in the US, with a recommended retail price of ¥8,094,900 ($51,729).
Honda is accepting advance orders for the CR-V e:FCEV from Thursday. The carmaker didn’t disclose prices or a sales target. The crossover will use fuel-cell technology developed by Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, a joint venture between Honda and General Motors. It can run more than 60 kilometers on a battery charge and more than 600 km on hydrogen.
Japan was one of the first countries to formulate a national hydrogen strategy, pledging back in 2017 to promote production, transportation and storage technologies. Fuel cells using the element produce water and electricity.
Japan’s second-largest carmaker aims to sell 100% electrified cars by 2040 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Hydrogen stations are increasing in Japan as well as in “California, where the model will be sold and as many people use FCEVs there,” Ikoma said.
Honda came up with the plug-in feature “to deal with the negative aspect” of fewer hydrogen stations, according to Junichi Miyahara, the Honda manager in charge of CR-V e:FCEV’s product planning. The new model can be charged at battery charging stations and at home.
