Honda to start producing fuel cell electric vehicles in the U.S. in 2024

On November 30, Honda Motor Company announced that starting in 2024, the company will produce the sixth-generation CR- A fuel cell electric vehicle version of the V model.

Image source: Honda

The vehicle uses fuel cell technology, which can quickly replenish energy and have a longer range. In addition to fuel cell technology, the CR-V fuel cell vehicle will also be equipped with a plug so that owners can charge the onboard battery to power trips around the city.

Honda has not disclosed planned production volumes for the CR-V fuel cell vehicle, but the plant only assembles lower-volume products and special-performance vehicles, such as a hybrid version of the Acura NSX supercar, which it stopped producing this month.

Honda plans to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and products by 2050, which includes fully electrifying its vehicle products by 2040. Gary Robinson, vice president of vehicle planning and strategy at American Honda Motor Co., said producing fuel cell vehicles in the United States will help Honda "further tap into the tremendous potential of these vehicles as part of a sustainable transportation future."

So far, the U.S. hydrogen energy network has been concentrated on the West Coast, especially in California. Honda said it has invested $14 million to support infrastructure in California.

In addition, Honda has been part of the H2USA hydrogen energy initiative since 2013, working with other automakers, hydrogen fuel suppliers and the fuel cell industry to find a cost-effective way to build the infrastructure to deliver it in the United States Affordable, clean hydrogen fuel.