Honda will cease production of the CR-V e:FCEV hydrogen fuel‑cell SUV by 2026. Learn the impact and future plans – read more now!
At the start of the week, Honda confirmed that its partnership with General Motors to produce hydrogen fuel‑cell stacks will wrap up by the end of 2026. The joint venture, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM), supplies the power‑train for the CR‑V e:FCEV – Honda’s first hydrogen‑fuel‑cell SUV.
Why Production Is Stopping
Honda says the Ohio plant will continue building the CR‑V e:FCEV until the existing inventory of fuel‑cell stacks is exhausted or redirected. Once those stacks run out, no new e:FCEV models will roll off the line. The exact shutdown date remains unclear, but the vehicle is still available for lease in California.
Current Availability in the U.S.
Honda has not released official numbers, but a spokesperson noted roughly 200 e:FCEV units are currently leased in California. While modest, this fleet compares favorably with Toyota’s Mirai, which sold just 210 units worldwide last year.
What the CR‑V e:FCEV Offers
Launched in summer 2024, the e:FCEV is offered through a dozen authorized dealers in the Golden State. Key equipment includes:
- Electric tailgate and 18‑inch alloy wheels
- Bio‑based leather upholstery
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- 10.2‑inch digital instrument cluster
- 9‑inch central infotainment screen with Bose 12‑speaker sound system
- Wireless phone charging and dual‑zone automatic climate control
The standout feature is its hybrid architecture: a 17.7 kWh battery paired with a 4.3 kg hydrogen tank. Drivers can travel up to 47 km (29 mi) on electric‑only mode, preserving hydrogen for longer trips.
Technical Specs
According to EPA estimates, the e:FCEV delivers:
- Combined driving range of roughly 435 km (270 mi)
- Front‑mounted electric motor producing 174 hp and 310 Nm of torque
- Fuel‑cell stack delivering up to 100 kW of power
Honda’s Hydrogen Roadmap
Even as the CR‑V e:FCEV winds down, Honda says it is not abandoning hydrogen technology. The automaker has announced a new in‑house fuel‑cell research program aimed at creating a next‑generation stack that could expand commercial opportunities and position hydrogen as a core pillar of its future strategy.
Industry Context
The retreat of the CR‑V e:FCEV highlights the broader challenges facing fuel‑cell vehicles: limited refueling infrastructure, modest consumer demand, and scant policy incentives. Today, only a handful of models – Toyota’s Mirai, Hyundai’s Nexo, and a few luxury offerings from BMW and Toyota – remain on the market.
Meanwhile, Stellantis announced last year that it would cease all hydrogen‑fuel‑cell development, citing low demand and insufficient infrastructure. In contrast, collaborations between BMW and Toyota continue to push the technology forward.
What’s Next for Consumers?
If you’re interested in experiencing a hydrogen‑powered SUV, your best bet remains the existing lease fleet in California. For the wider market, keep an eye on Honda’s upcoming fuel‑cell research, which could bring new models to other regions in the coming years.
Stay tuned as the hydrogen landscape evolves – the next breakthrough may arrive sooner than you think.