Honda may be better known for its EV and hybrid offerings these days, but the Japanese auto giant has also been known for its experiments in hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Clarity FCEV was a glimpse into how far Honda’s hydrogen technology has evolved and the company is now ready to start the next chapter with the 2025 Honda CR-V eFCEV: Motivation
CR-V eFCEV Doesn’t Stray Too Far From Basic Formula
At first glance, the 2025 Honda CR-V eFCEV: Motivation resembles a standard CR-V but Honda designers have made minor modifications to the exterior styling with the front end getting a larger grille and revised headlights. The rear gets minor tweaks including reworked taillight lenses. The underfloor is also fully enclosed in an attempt to help improve aerodynamics.
Unlike other CR-V models that get six trim levels, the eFCEV is only available as a range-topping Touring model. That means buyers will get a massive amount of standard equipment including a heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is standard too.
Plug-in Hybrid Tech Infused With Hydrogen Motivation
With the bulk of the exterior and interior changes being minimal, Honda chose to focus the bulk of its efforts on the performance side of the equation. Like other FCEVs, The CR-V eFCEV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that makes 174 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The onboard hydrogen gas tank has enough capacity for 4.3 kilograms of hydrogen with the company saying it allows the SUV to get 270 miles of range between fill-ups.
In addition to the hydrogen, Honda also equipped the CR-V eFCEV with a separate 17.7 kWh battery pack making this model a plug-in hydrogen vehicle in the process. This setup allows the eFCEV to be able to go on pure electric power but only for 29 miles before the hydrogen system kicks back in.
The hydrogen fuel cell itself has benefitted from Honda’s ongoing partnership with General Motors and uses second-generation technology that allowed Honda to slash the cost of producing the cell when compared to the one used in the axed Clarity FCEV. Bi-directional charging is also standard and the whole assembly forced Honda engineers to retune the suspension due to the revised weight distribution created by the whole kit.
When Can I Buy One?
If you live in California, the 2025 Honda CR-V eFCEV: Motivation will be available for lease later this year. While there’s probably no discount if you manage to memorize its elaborate moniker, the timing of the eFCEV’s debut is rather interesting due to hydrogen availability in the state suffering a big setback prior to this when Shell revealed that it was closing its hydrogen stations due to cost-cutting.
For reference, Shell had seven of these stations in the state and they helped bring the total number of stations across the entire state to 55 such facilities. Removing seven of these stations brings it down to 48 and while that might not seem like much at first glance, the impact will be felt on the ground especially by customers that might need to drive further to fill up their hydrogen vehicles.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.