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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.

Honda CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell EV

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.

Honda CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell EV

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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Tesla relaunches Model S/X in Europe after a 3-month break

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Tesla relaunches Model S/X in Europe after a 3-month break

Tesla has relaunched Model S and Model X in Europe after a 3-month break in taking orders for its two flagship vehicles on the old continent.

In June, Tesla unveiled another minor refresh of the Model S and Model X.

Considering Tesla fumbled the rollout of the previous refresh in Europe, with significantly delayed deliveries, the automaker addressed the issue this time by stopping to take orders for the Model S and Model X in Europe starting in July.

Today, Tesla reopened orders for new Model S and Model X vehicles in European markets.

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In France, the Model S starts at 109,990 € while the Model X starts at 114,990 €.

Tesla is quoting a start of deliveries in November.

Here are Tesla’s listed changes to the Model S and Model X with this mild update:

  • Up to 744 km of range (Model S Long Range)
  • Even quieter inside
  • New wheel designs + exterior styling
  • Front fascia camera for better visibility
  • Dynamic ambient lighting all around the interior
  • Smoother ride thanks to new bushings & suspension design
  • Adaptive driving beams
  • More space for 3rd row occupants & cargo in Model X

While being Tesla’s flagship vehicles, the programs have been somewhat neglected over the last 5 years, and sales have been in a steady decline.

The automaker even stopped making the vehicles for RHD markets.

Electrek’s Take

Nice to see Tesla learning from its mistakes.

For those who don’t remember, the rollout of the previous refresh was terrible. Tesla took orders for almost a year, but it waited for almost another year to start deliveries due to problems ramping up production.

Now, it appears that deliveries in Europe will occur within 6 months of the refresh and within weeks of ordering for most people.

That said, the mid-cycle refresh has been considered mild and isn’t likely to have a significant impact on sales.

I wouldn’t expect more than a few thousand Model S/X sales in Europe per year.

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‘Uber Green’ shifts to ‘Uber Electric,’ and is offering (some) drivers $4k to switch to an EV

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'Uber Green' shifts to 'Uber Electric,' and is offering (some) drivers k to switch to an EV

Uber gets it. The rideshare behemoth has observed the upward trend of EV adoption across its database of customers and drivers and is helping to support that transition. Beginning today, the “Uber Green” ride option is now called “Uber Electric,” visible to all app users worldwide. To celebrate the transition, Uber is offering discounted rides for those opting for electric vehicles, and drivers may also qualify for a $4,000 grant.

At this point, Uber is a household name in the rideshare and logistics industries. Hell, it’s even a verb at this point. You don’t get this far without innovation and foresight, something the $200 billion company has excelled at to constantly evolve and adapt.

I recall when Uber initially offered only black town cars. Now you can order an UberX, Uber XL, Uber Comfort, Uber Eats, Uber Pet, rent a car, order groceries… the list goes on. In terms of electric vehicle adoption, Uber has long shown interest in the technology and quickly understood that EVs are ideal for the gig economy that comprises its market.

We’ve seen Uber partner with several autonomous vehicle developers, many of which operate fleets of electric vehicles. In fact, we’ve covered so many partnerships between Uber and other exciting mobility companies that we can’t begin to name all of them.

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At one point, Uber was even developing a dedicated rideshare EV with defunct UK startup Arrival. The list goes on.

Today, Uber has recognized the dwindling incentives available to US drivers interested in going electric and has tweaked its rideshare offerings to promote more sustainable options.

Uber Electric
Source: Uber

Uber Green goes full-electric worldwide today

According to an email sent from Uber this morning, Uber Green has been renamed Uber Electric. Per the company, the new name “reflects record EV growth on our platform, making it easier for riders to choose zero-emissions rides.”

Uber elaborated that over 200,000 EVs are driving on its global network, and 1 in 4 of its customers say their first-ever EV ride was through the Uber app (I hope it wasn’t in the back seat of a Model Y, because that’s a rough ride).

Today’s transition builds upon Uber’s decision to make Uber Green (a mix of hybrids and EVs) fully electric in the US earlier this year. Those parameters now apply to the entire rideshare network. Pradeep Parameswaran, Global Head of Mobility at Uber, spoke:

Uber Electric is more than a new name, it represents the real progress we’ve made toward electrifying our platform globally over the past five years. Thousands of drivers are leading the charge, choosing electric and helping cities improve air quality. We’ll keep supporting drivers by removing barriers to EV adoption and working with cities to improve access to charging.

To celebrate the transition to Uber Electric, the company is offering customers 20% off (up to $8) their next EV ride when they use promo code GOELECTRIC20 (valid for 7 days).

Additionally, Uber has recognized the expired federal grant of $4,000 for used EV purchases in the US and is keeping that incentive alive in certain states to entice drivers to continue to go fully-electric. The company’s “Go Electric” grants will offer eligible Uber drivers up to $4,000 toward new and used electric vehicle purchases, but only in the following regions:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Massachussetts
  • New York City

Uber’s grant can be combined with other individual state incentives, making it easier than ever for drivers to go electric, depending on their state. Uber pointed out that US drivers nationwide can still receive $1,000 toward any new or used EV purchased through TrueCar. 

Go electric! Opt for the EV option on your next ride and use that discount code!

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Tesla recalls recent Model 3 and Model Y over battery pack defect

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Tesla recalls recent Model 3 and Model Y over battery pack defect

Tesla is recalling approximately 13,000 recent Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built earlier this year due to a battery pack defect that can result in power loss.

In August, Tesla started getting reports of power losses in new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

After reviewing 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports, the automaker identified a defect in some battery pack contactors that could potentially affect approximately 8,000 Model Ys and 5,000 Model 3s built in the US between March and August 2025.

Tesla wrote in the recall notice:

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The recall population includes certain Model Year (“MY”) 2025 Model 3 vehicles manufactured between March 8, 2025, and August 12, 2025, and MY 2026 Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 15, 2025, and August 15, 2025, that are equipped with a battery pack contactor manufactured with InTiCa solenoid.

If the battery pack contactor opens when the vehicle is in drive, it loses power and ability to apply torque, which may increase the risk of a collision – hence the safety recall.

The automaker identified Sistemas Mecatrónicos InTiCa S.A.P.I., a tier 2 supplier in Mexico, and SongChuan, a tier 1 supplier in Taiwan, as being involved in the recall.

Tesla confirmed that it is contacting all potentially affected owners and it will replace the affected contactor with “a certified contactor that does not contain InTica solenoid and that maintains coil termination connection” at no cost to owners.

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