The future of hydrogen cars (not to mention the present) is always in doubt, since it is a technology with a lot of potential, but it also has quite a few “edges” to cut. Despite this, today there are several brands that continue working on the development of models of this nature and Honda is putting the finishing touches on one.
The Japanese manufacturer itself has published a video on YouTube about the state of the Honda CR-V FCEV, a vehicle that they have been working on for some time now, but which arrives with a “little twist” that will make it stand out compared to other models that use hydrogen cell:
Its most notable aspect is that, in addition to being able to refuel with this type of vehicle, one of its main advantages is that it is faster than charging a battery-powered electric car, and it solves the problem of the hydrogen network, which is much larger. smaller because it can also be charged like a conventional EV or PHEV.
It is about combining the best of both zero-emission technologies to adapt to the needs and circumstances of each moment.
Although the Japanese brand has not gone into details, the weight of the system is carried by the hydrogen cell, which has tanks that give it most of its autonomy.
However, designed for emergencies in which there is no hydrogen refueling station nearby, the Honda also has a small battery, whose capacity has not been specified, which can be charged through a plug, in a traditional way, to have an additional range of action if needed.
It could be defined as a double electric hybrid, which brings together in the same system the two zero-emission technologies that a priori are going to dominate the future of the automobile.
It is an approach that no other company has worked on, but it seems like a successful formula since each technology covers the weaknesses of the other with its strengths, resulting in an electric car with all the advantages and almost none of its weaknesses:
A greater autonomy, since it combines that of the hydrogen tanks and that of the battery. The quick refueling time of the tanks for most of the time of use. The possibility of charging with a cable in those areas where there is not a high hydrogen density.
Although it remains in the background, Honda has shown how the vehicle will also have bidirectional charging capacity, so it can be used to supply power to small appliances or tools.
From an aesthetic point of view, although it has been shown completely camouflaged, it is very similar to the conventional Honda CR-V. There are only slight changes at the front, specifically in the bumper, and, logically, at the rear, since there is no exhaust outlet of any kind.
We just have to wait for the official presentation of the Honda CR-V FCEV to know all the data, although the manufacturer has not yet announced when it will take place.