Hydrogen fuel cell cars, also known as FCEVs, have been in development for over 50 years but have failed to gain the same popularity as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, General Motors (GM) and Honda are two companies that have continued to work on FCEVs and make significant progress.
In February, Honda unveiled the production version of its CR-V e:FCEV plug-in, which will be available for lease in Japan and the US later this year. The fuel cell system in the CR-V e:FCEV is produced by a joint venture between GM and Honda called Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM), based in Michigan. This partnership between the two companies demonstrates their commitment to advancing FCEV technology.
The CR-V e:FCEV offers an impressive range of 372 miles on a full tank of hydrogen, with an additional 37 miles of battery range. It also has a refueling time similar to that of a petrol or diesel car. These features make it a practical option for long-distance driving and alleviate concerns about limited range and long refueling times.
One of the advantages of fuel cell technology is that it produces only electricity, water, and heat as by-products, with no CO2 or toxic emissions. This makes FCEVs a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, fuel cells can be compared to batteries in that they are made up of multiple smaller cells that work together to generate electrical power. However, there are significant differences between the two technologies.
The GM-Honda fuel cell system produces around 92kW of electrical energy, while the drive motor-generator provides 174bhp and 229lb ft of torque. The battery has a capacity of 17.7kWh, and hydrogen fuel is stored in tanks at a high pressure of 10,000psi. These specifications highlight the advancements made in FCEV technology, as they offer comparable performance to traditional vehicles.
One significant breakthrough in FCEV technology is the reduction in cost. The system in the CR-V e:FCEV is two-thirds cheaper than the one used in the 2019 Honda Clarity FCEV. This cost reduction is partly due to a decrease in the amount of platinum used as a catalyst in the fuel cells and the benefits of large-scale production. The improved durability and resilience to low-temperature operation further enhance the viability of FCEVs. These advancements address previous challenges and improve the overall performance and efficiency of FCEVs.
However, a major obstacle for FCEVs is the lack of a hydrogen network, especially in the UK. In the US, there were only 59 hydrogen refueling stations at the end of 2023, but this number is expected to increase to 4300 by 2030. This growth in infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of FCEVs and will determine their success in the market.
In conclusion, while FCEVs have not gained the same level of popularity as BEVs, companies like GM and Honda continue to invest in their development. The production version of Honda’s CR-V e:FCEV demonstrates significant advancements in FCEV technology, including increased range, reduced cost, and improved durability. However, the lack of a hydrogen network remains a significant challenge for FCEVs. As infrastructure continues to develop, FCEVs have the potential to become a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles.
