There are only two Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEV) on sale today. One is sold by Hyundai, and the other by Toyota. Honda sold one for several years until 2021 when it discontinued the Clarity FCEV. The automaker now says it plans to develop a hydrogen-powered CR-V for the U.S. market and promises a launch by the end of 2024.

The CR-V will be built at Honda’s factory in Ohio, using the FCEV system the automaker partnered with General Motors to develop. It’s significantly less expensive than the system Honda used in the Clarity, is more durable, and offers better performance in cold weather.

Hydrogen and other alternative fuels are not as common as electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, but many view them as vital tools to reach the goal of zero emissions. Toyota and its outgoing CEO Akio Toyoda have been vocal proponents of exploring all possibilities when it comes to reducing global vehicle emissions. However, its approach also includes a heavy emphasis on hybrid and PHEV technologies. 

California is the epicenter of Hydrogen Fueling in the United States, but the Alternative Fuels Data Center notes a planned expansion into the states in the northeast. However, that will still leave hydrogen far behind electric vehicles until Fueling Stations can catch up. The AFDC notes that hydrogen fueling stations could build on existing gas stations, which could help hasten the expansion. 

[Image: Honda]

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