Honda has introduced the CR-V e:FCEV, a fuel cell plug-in hybrid version of its popular CR-V model. The CR-V e:FCEV represents a new generation of Honda's fuel cell technology, which aims to reduce costs and increase durability. It is equipped with a 17.7kWh battery that provides approximately 29 miles of battery-electric range and a total range of 270 miles. This innovative vehicle combines a fuel cell stack with a larger battery, allowing for daily driving on electric power and less frequent hydrogen fill-ups. The driving experience of the e:FCEV is similar to Honda's regular gasoline-powered hybrid CR-V, with some upgraded sustainable materials in the interior and exterior. The car features a 9-inch screen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a modified rear cargo area to accommodate the hydrogen tanks. It offers four drive modes: Sport, Normal, Econ, and Snow, with regenerative braking accessible through paddles behind the steering wheel. While the e:FCEV primarily uses hydrogen as its energy source, Honda acknowledges the challenges associated with hydrogen infrastructure and the limited availability of hydrogen stations, particularly in California where the e:FCEV will be available. Honda believes that fuel cells have potential applications in heavy-duty and long-haul vehicles. However, the article questions the long-term viability of fuel cell vehicles in the consumer market, given the limited infrastructure and the rapid growth of battery-electric vehicles. The e:FCEV program is seen as a small-scale effort compared to the broader shift towards electric vehicles. Honda's commitment to hydrogen is also questioned, as the company plans to sell only around 300 e:FCEV vehicles per year in California. The article suggests that Honda should focus more on battery-electric vehicles, which are currently selling in larger volumes. The CR-V e:FCEV will be available later this year as a lease-only vehicle in California [b4bc6f18].
Honda Automotive Labs of Ohio facility is a $124 million wind tunnel called HALO. Honda owns three full-sized wind tunnels near its global headquarters. In 2015, Honda began constructing a North American wind tunnel called HALO. HALO was unveiled in 2022 in a 110,000-square-foot facility in East Liberty, Ohio. Every new Honda passenger vehicle model undergoes extensive aerodynamic and acoustic testing. The wind tunnel allows for better, faster communication between designers and builders. The wind tunnel is strategically located near a Honda development center and two manufacturing plants. Honda team members with experience in research facilities were consulted to build HALO. The wind tunnel is used for testing the downforce caused by passing air in race cars. The wind tunnel is located in East Liberty, Ohio. The article was published on April 4, 2024 [ed987c08].
