The automaker is not new to hydrogen fuel cell technology, but it had not marketed a car that applied it for three years.
About a year ago we learned of the intentions of a Japanese manufacturer to remarket a car with a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, a technology that had lost steam in recent years and that is once again sounding like a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
The best known worldwide, as far as hydrogen is concerned, are the Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai models, as the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell once was before ending its commercial stage back in 2021. Now, the brand wants to return to the place it occupied just three years ago.
It will do so throughout 2024, with a significant evolution in the mechanical scheme of what they have called the Honda C-RV FCEV. Of course, the basis used is that of the model it sells and we already have a preview of what the imminent hydrogen SUV looks like.
The video shows the model with a body painted according to the particularity of its propulsion system, which is the interesting thing about everything, since on the outside it is still a C-RV with some aesthetic touches, which can be seen especially in the front of the vehicle.
Production of the car will be limited, but also three times cheaper than it cost to make each unit of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell it replaces. Only 2,000 units will be marketed per year and the United States and Japan, for the time being, will be the markets for which these hydrogen CR-Vs will be destined.
The curious thing about this hydrogen fuel cell mechanic is that it is a plug-in hybrid technology, as it will allow it to be plugged into a power outlet like any other 100% electric vehicle.
In this way, they seek to convince at a time when hydrogen refueling infrastructures are really scarce. In addition, the charging system will be bidirectional, so it will allow other external electronic devices to be powered.
Honda’s proposal seems the most logical solution, at least until there is a firm commitment to infrastructure. Honda, in fact, doesn’t expect hydrogen cars to become popular for at least 15 years.
A first step for the manufacturer will be to increase the production of its vehicles with this technology to 60,000 units per year by 2030 and, by 2035, they will already represent a six-digit figure.
All this will be accompanied by a reduction in construction costs, which will be reflected in the final cost to the client.
Many challenges lie ahead for this technology to finally permeate the roads around the world, starting with a sufficient and safe supply network that allows the refueling of this emission-free element. Until then, we are talking about a test lab, which could arrive in Europe at some point, although it is not confirmed that this will happen in the short term.
SOURCE: Hibridos y Electricos
Original article in Spanish:
https://www.hibridosyelectricos.com/coches/es-hibrido-enchufable-con-esta-marca-japonesa-retomara-hidrogeno_72937_102.html
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