The backside is also a bit different, notably due to a lack of exhaust outlets. That’s how we know this is a fuel-cell vehicle, and also, the word hydrogen<\/em> is splayed across the body wrap. We love it when automakers make things easy for us.<\/p>\n The US sighting comes from another X user named Oscar, who caught a test vehicle in California. Sadly, images here aren’t nearly as clear or up-close, and the SUV is dressed in swirl camo. But, we can still see the same front fascia with the split grille. And with the current-generation CR-V having debuted for the 2023 model year, this almost certainly isn’t a mid-cycle refresh.<\/p>\n It’s worth mentioning that, though we’re labeling this the CR-V right now, that may not be the actual name. When Honda announced plans to build this fuel-cell SUV, the automaker was keen to say it’s based<\/em> on the CR-V. That said, now that we’ve seen prototypes in public, there’s no doubt the ties run very close to the popular people mover. In profile it looks just like a CR-V, and this size fits as well. A Honda CR-V Clarity perhaps? Time will tell.<\/p>\n Moreover, this electric SUV won’t simply run on hydrogen. Honda stated its new fuel cell will also have plug-in capability to charge a battery like a traditional EV. The size of the battery and its range are as yet unknown, but in theory, it will help curb hydrogen anxiety in a world where a hydrogen refueling infrastructure is virtually non-existent. Given the immense costs of building that infrastructure, it could remain that way for some time.<\/p>\n That isn’t stopping Honda from charging forward in the hydrogen world. The fuel cell for the CR-V has double the durability at one-third the cost of the system used in the Clarity. It’s co-developed with General Motors, and earlier this year, Honda mentioned working on a future fuel cell system that further improved on the one that hasn’t debuted yet. Ambitious, indeed.<\/p>\n Honda is committed to bringing its hydrogen fuel cell CR-V\u00a0\u2013 or whatever it’s called\u00a0\u2013 to market in 2024. The fuel cell powertrain will be manufactured at Honda’s plant in Ohio, with the SUV sold in Japan and North America.<\/p>\n Gallery: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid <\/h3>\n
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