Honda launches first plug-in hydrogen fuel cell EV
Honda’s popular CR-V compact crossover is now getting a hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid version that will begin deliveries this year in California – the car allows you to recharge via Level 2 charging for quick trips, or rely on hydrogen power for long hauls.
Californians can drive the upcoming 2025 model via lease-only, and Honda is dubbing the new setup the less-than-catchy CR-V e:FCEV. But what makes this car different from a normal FCEV is that it comes equipped with a 17.7-kilowatt-hour battery that can be powered by electricity generated by hydrogen via the fuel cell stack or by plugging in to electricity. Total EPA-rated range is 270 miles, and it can also plugged into a Level 2 charger and run on electricity for a 29 miles in EV mode.
California-only fuel cell PHEV
Honda is aiming for a low-volume production cycle on the car, of only about 300 vehicles per year. A select group of California dealers who complete training on the vehicle can lease and service it – and most likely Honda is targeting the dealers who still service the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, which sold in California from 2015 to 2021. Why California? Well, it’s a good testing ground for new tech, and because the state is home to the only hydrogen refueling stations found in the US, except for a couple along the East Coast.
Interestingly, Honda isn’t putting investment into expanding hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with its last big move being 10 years ago when it invested $13.8 million to support building additional hydrogen stations with FirstElement Fuel, reports Automotive News.
Still, Honda is keeping hope alive, and is using the clean tech in power stations and construction machinery as well as commercial and retail vehicles.
The specs
The CR-V e:FCEV is the first car to use the Japanese brand’s second-gen fuel cell module, codeveloped by General Motors and assembled in Michigan.
The vehicle, which will be available in one trim, uses a front-mounted single-motor with 174 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque. Max power output is an estimated 92.2 kilowatts. Honda says the vehicle has a miles-per-gallon equivalent of 61 miles in urban driving, 52 on the highway, and 57 combined. To compare, the standard CR-V with a front-wheel drivetrain and 2-liter hybrid engine has an estimated range of 43 mpg in the city, 36 on freeways, and 40 combined, according to Automotive News.
While pricing is still unknown, the CR-V e:FCEV will be assembled at Honda’s factory in Marysville, Ohio. The Touring model, its only available option, comes with standard features that include 10.2-inch digital instrumentation, 9-inch HD touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, power-adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, and seat upholstery made out of bio-based leather.
Practically zero infrastructure
Kia-owner Hyundai – which like Honda, certainly isn’t in a big rush to go carbon neutral – is also among the very small group of companies embracing hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company plans to rely heavily on hydrogen fuel cells generated from plastic, food, and organic waste to power a whole new generation of EVs, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Hyundai has already been mass-producing hydrogen fuel cell EVs for a while with its Nexo line. Currently the 2024 Hyundai Nexo compact crossover and the Toyota Mirai sedan are the only two hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) EVs available to buy in the US, and that’s only in California.
Problem is, there is nowhere to refuel them. China has the largest network of recharging stations in the world, but in California, you’ll find around 63 recharging stations, mostly around Los Angeles and San Francisco – less so now that this month Shell Oil closed seven of its hydrogen fueling stations for passenger cars in California, which accounts for about 12% of the total stations in the US. On the East Coast, there are maybe a handful of stations.
Storing hydrogen is a challenge too in that it requires high pressures, low temperatures, or other chemical processes to keep it compact.
Still, Honda is seeing hydrogen as an essential piece of its puzzle to get to carbon neutrality – by the very faraway target of 2050. But it says that BEVs and fuel cell EVs will represent 100% of its automobile sales by 2040.
Photos: Courtesy of Honda
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Florida’s State Parks are stepping up their environmental and operational game, introducing a large fleet of powerful electric bikes to support park ranger patrols.
The Florida State Parks Foundation, under its sustainability-focused Greener Initiative, recently announced the expansion of e‑bike units across the state’s parks system. The fleet of Velotric Nomad e-bikes, each equipped with 750‑watt motors and with a claimed 65‑mile range, can offer a substantial 500‑lb payload capacity. They also feature 4″ wide fat tires optimized for riding on rough paths or off-road trails, making them ideal for park ranger patrols.
These e‑bikes are now being distributed to multiple locations throughout Florida, including Fort Clinch, Olustee Battlefield Historic, Rainbow Springs, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, and Suwannee River State Park.
According to Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Foundation, the overwhelming success of the first wave of e‑bikes prompted swift expansion. “The Greener Initiative has done incredible things to reduce our environmental footprint,” she noted, adding that it’s “even more amazing when Greener projects align with resources that support our rangers.”
These additions bring the statewide fleet to 50 e‑bikes, funded via sales from the “Explore Our State Parks” specialty license plate. Starting in 2023, the Greener Initiative has rolled out a variety of efforts to make Florida’s parks cleaner and more efficient, including slashing emissions, cutting down on waste, lowering energy consumption, and enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Electrek’s Take
I love this, and it’s a great example of how e-bikes are perfect for so many different patrol uses among park rangers, police officers, security companies, and other types of official fleet usage.
We’re seeing this more and more, and the reason is obvious: It works. E-bikes are a lot cheaper than alternatives like UTVs, golf carts, or “real” vehicles like cars and trucks. They require significantly less maintenance, and they’re a lot more fun too.
I just hope they mount some extra water bottle holders. I often ride in Florida, and in the summer, I can drink a gallon a day… on an electric bike!
Via: WCJB
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Lucid’s most adventurous vehicle has just arrived. The Lucid Gravity can drive 450 miles on a single charge, comfortably fits seven, and is faster than the average sports car. Lucid promises the new X concept takes the electric family hauler to a new level.
Meet the Lucid Gravity X adventure-ready EV SUV
Lucid has been hyping the new model as “a bold new concept of electric exploration,” describing it as its most adventurous vehicle to date.
At Monterey Car Week on Friday, we finally got our first look at Lucid’s stunning new Gravity X concept. Based on the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring, which features an impressive up to 450 miles of EPA-estimated range, AWD, and a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.4 secs, the X is designed to take you even further.
As Lucid put it, the X “advances this exceptional foundation, exploring what it would be like to push the limits further.
The concept features a new look, lifted ride height, and added off-road elements for all on and off-road adventures. Lucid fine-tuned the front and rear ends to improve approach and departure angles. It also slapped all-terrain tires, protective skid plates, and tow hooks on it, just in case.
Like we first saw in the teaser, the X concept is equipped with an integrated crossbar with LED lights and a roof box.
Lucid says every detail on the new concept was intentional, from the Astral Drift satin paint to the topographical references to Big Spur and Death Valley on the hood.
The interior features upgrades, including premium leather seats, high-performance floor mats, and a microsuede steering wheel.
According to Lucid, the Gravity X, pronounced Gravity Cross, is “ready to go anywhere. Take on everything. And compromise nothing.”
Although it’s just a concept for now, the X gives us a glimpse into a future off-road Gravity trim. As we mentioned earlier this week, Lucid could be preparing to introduce a rugged new variant to compete with Rivian’s California Dune Edition R1S and R1T models.
What do you think of the rugged Gravity X Concept? Should Lucid bring it to life? It wouldn’t be surprising to see a new variant hit the market soon.
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This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes new e-bikes from Heybike, the Priority Skyline launch, Segway’s new 50 MPH electric scooter, a Bafang hub motor with automatic shifting, and more.
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