Honda Confirms Hydrogen-powered Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain For CR-V SUV

• Sixth-generation Honda CR-V gets turbo-petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains.

• An all-wheel-drive system is standard with both powertrains.

• Will get a hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid in 2024.

• No news about the SUV’s Indian comeback yet.

Honda is one of very few mainstream manufacturers experimenting with hydrogen propulsion. But it would seem the experiments would come to fruition soon as the Japanese company has announced a hydrogen-hybrid powertrain for the CR-V SUV in 2024.

The CR-V is Honda’s one of the, if not the most, popular models in markets abroad. Internationally, the SUV is offered with two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol producing 193PS and 243Nm and a 2.0-litre petrol strong-hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 207PS and 335Nm.

The new hydrogen-powered PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) can actually be the way to go forward. We know the state of the hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Saying that it’s in its nascent stages would still probably be an overstatement. But, plug-in FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicle) offer a way around this conundrum. The plug-in option for charging up the battery is a convenience that ensures you won’t actually be left stranded in case you run out of hydrogen. 

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So for the CR-V’s 2024 update, Honda plans to replace the gasoline part of the new plug-in hybrid powertrain with a hydrogen unit. So, instead of relying on the IC engine for supportive charge or power, the system will make use of fuel cells. Technically, this makes the CR-V almost a proper EV as the fuel-cell powertrain uses an electric motor for propulsion. 

Technical specifications of the fuel-cell hybrid powertrain haven’t been revealed by Honda, but the exact figures will be revealed close to its introduction in 2024. Furthermore, this hydrogen-powered hybrid unit will be sold alongside the conventional strong-hybrid engine that’s available on shelves currently. 

In India, the CR-V was discontinued back in December 2020 due to the closure of Honda’s Noida plant where the company was building the SUV and the Civic. But with the new hybrid powertrain and the upcoming plug-in FCEV, the argument for the comeback of the CR-V makes more sense. But, it remains to be seen whether Honda will bring back the SUV or not.