Honda will launch its first fuel cell vehicles in the US in 2024. Will buyers react?
Honda’s major electrification initiative will include hydrogen vehicles for the US market. The automaker has indeed announced that it will begin production of such vehicles in the United States in 2024. The first model will be a plug-in hybrid based on the current CR-V pictured above. So you have all-electric drive for short daily trips and zero emissions for long trips.
Honda to release its first fuel cell vehicles in the US in 2024
More details about this hydrogen-powered CR-V will be revealed later in 2023 before production starts in 2024, Honda has announced. The brand is ready to reveal the engine just today, below. The current CR-V is available in a conventional hybrid version with an internal combustion engine and without recharging.
Honda CR-V Hydrogen Honda
The new model is part of Honda’s strategy to phase out combustion engine vehicles by 2040, using a combination of 100% electric and fuel cell vehicles. In addition to the hydrogen-powered CR-V, Americans are also waiting for the all-electric Prologue SUV, also scheduled for 2024. The brand already sells an electric Honda E, but not in the US. Honda is also aiming to be completely carbon neutral by 2050.
Will customers respond?
It’s hard to tell if there’s really room in the market for a fuel cell SUV. Hydrogen cars have not been very popular in the US compared to their all-electric counterparts, due in part to their high price and underdeveloped gas station network. Honda discontinued the hydrogen-powered Clarity sedan in 2021, in part due to weak demand for the $71,200 car. No one knows how buyers will react to this model in 2024, especially since electric vehicles are becoming more affordable and have an ever-increasing range.