Honda begins production of hydrogen fuel cell EVs in Ohio

Honda has recently commenced the production of the all-new MY2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Ohio, United States. 

The car is the only FCEV made in America at present, as well as the first production hydrogen FCEV in the United States to combine a US-made, next-generation fuel cell system with plug-in EV charging capability, according to the automaker. 

"The Performance Manufacturing Center was conceived as a small volume manufacturing facility with a focus on craftsmanship, and I'm proud of how our production technicians leveraged their experience building the Acura NSX to take on the challenge of making this all-new Honda CR-V e:FCEV," said Patrick McIntyre, lead of PMC. 

"Producing a zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicle is one more step toward Honda's global goal of achieving carbon neutrality for our products and operations", he added. 

It is to be noted that the fuel cell powertrain that powers the CR-V e:FCEV has been co-developed by Honda and General Motors (GM) and manufactured at their JV facility - the Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC - in Brownstown, Michigan. 

The companies have claimed that the system achieves higher efficiency and increased refinement, with durability performance doubled and cost reduced by two-thirds compared to the previous fuel cell system in the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

The new Honda CR-V e:FCEV has received a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, combining the fuel cell system with plug-in charging to provide up to 29 miles of EV driving and the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips. 

As an important business pathway towards clean energy future, Honda has identified four core applications for the utilization of its fuel cell technology, namely passenger FCEV,  commercial vehicles, stationary power stations and construction machinery.

The company recently debuted a Class 8 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept powered by three Honda fuel cell systems to showcase the start of a new demonstration project aimed at future production of fuel cell-powered products for the North American market.