Honda's New CR-V Is Powered by Hydrogen and a Battery

One of the best-selling SUVs in the world will soon be available with a revolutionary powertrain. The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV combines battery-electric power with a hydrogen fuel cell technology in an American-made passenger vehicle.

Honda’s new take on the CR-V will be the country’s third fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) for passengers on the market, joining the Hyundai NEXO SUV and Toyota Mirai sedan. The automaker sees hydrogen as being an alternative fuels pathway forward, extending the range zero-emission vehicles can travel without needing to stop for a charge, and minimizing battery size.

“Leveraging Honda fuel cell technology expertise continues to play a critical role in our global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050,” said Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co.

“Honda has laid out an electrification strategy leading to 100 percent zero-emission automobile sales by 2040, including the introduction of both battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles like this new CR-V e:FCEV model.”

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV pictured in a handout image. The car runs on hydrogen and battery power.
American Honda Motor Co.

Side view of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. It is shown being driven on a street.
American Honda Motor Co.

Honda co-developed the CR-V e:FCEV with General Motors. The partnership has enabled “the knowledge, know-how and economies of scale of both companies” a press release said.

The new SUV uses a next-generation Honda Fuel Cell Module. The Japanese automaker previously sold the Honda FCX and Clarity Fuel Cell FCEVs in America. This new fuel cell system has had its cost reduced by two-thirds compared to the cost of the system in the Clarity.

Further, the system has been made more durable in its second generation. Honda has doubled the application of corrosion-resistant materials and improved low temperature performance.

The SUV’s power system delivers 174 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, giving it a little less horsepower than the traditional CR-V maxes out at, but far more torque.

Face of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The SUV has CR-V looks, but some sheet metal has been changed out.
American Honda Motor Co.

Front side of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The SUV has a charging port for electricity and a filling port for hydrogen fuel.
American Honda Motor Co.

Drivers can operate the vehicle in their choice of drive mode. The company provides four options: Normal, Sport, Snow and Eco.

In addition to its FCEV capabilities, the SUV is capable of running purely on electric battery power for up to 29 miles. It is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having a 270-mile range between fill ups.

The body of the CR-V e:FCEV is essentially the same as the sixth-generation CR-V, which is on sale now. It has a few modifications with a full floor undercover and unique front spoiler and strake, which are part of the maximization of aerodynamic performance. It also wears new body panels from the A-pillar forward, a unique liftgate design, fresh rear fascia and 18-inch, 10-spoke black wheels.

Honda will only sell the CR-V e:FCEV in the Touring grade. Both Hyundai and Toyota sell their FCEVs in two variants.

Interior of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The SUV sports traditional CR-V appointments inside.
American Honda Motor Co.

Digital instrument cluster in the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The SUV has screen views to show its consumption.
American Honda Motor Co.

Center console in the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. Wireless charging is standard.
American Honda Motor Co.

CR-V e:FCEV takes advantage of the SUV’s spacious interior and established design to deliver a clean-looking cabin that falls into line with the rest of the Honda lineup.

It comes standard with HondaLink, the company’s on-board operating system, which has expanded FCEV-specific capabilities including hydrogen filling station information and charging and power supply data.

The vehicle will come to market at a time when Shell hydrogen fuel filling stations are coming offline. Shell has said it will close the seven stations it operates in California. The company had previously announced that they would bring 48 new stations online.

According to the California Energy Commission, there are currently 68 light-duty hydrogen fuel filling stations in the state and 28 additional stations are planned.

Front seats in the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The company only offers one trim level.
American Honda Motor Co.

Rear cargo area of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The model has less cargo space than a traditional CR-V.
American Honda Motor Co.

Rear of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The SUV has unique rear fascia.
American Honda Motor Co.

Additional standard equipment in the CR-V e:FCEV includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and the Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance system.

Buyers get a Honda Power Supply Connector with their vehicle. The connector operative like a 110-volt household outlet and power small appliances like power tools, camping equipment and tailgating supplies.

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, made in Marysville, Ohio, will be available to lease in California beginning later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the model’s on sale date.