Honda to Build CR-V-Based Fuel Cell EV in Ohio
Honda will begin U.S. production of an all-new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in 2024, using the recently redesigned Honda CR-V as its foundation. The vehicle will be assembled at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, a facility recognized for its craftsmanship in low-volume, specialty builds such as the Acura NSX supercar and Acura PMC Edition models. This initiative supports Honda’s global objective for battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to comprise 100% of its auto sales by 2040.
The upcoming model will be the first production fuel cell electric vehicle in North America to integrate a plug-in charging capability. This dual system allows drivers to recharge the onboard battery for short-range electric driving while retaining the rapid refueling advantages of hydrogen for extended travel. “Honda established our goal to realize carbon neutrality by 2050 and the complete electrification of our vehicle lineup by 2040 is critical to achieving it,” said Gary Robinson, vice president of Auto Planning & Strategy for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
The PMC’s small-scale, high-skill production environment is well suited to the specialized assembly procedures required for fuel cell systems. Since opening in 2016, the plant has demonstrated flexibility and precision, producing both high-performance road cars and competition vehicles. This mirrors the role of Honda’s Tochigi, Japan facility, which built the original NSX starting in 1989 and later the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle in 2008. “This facility is perfect for production of a new Honda fuel cell electric vehicle, as our small-volume capability enables us to really leverage the skill and expertise of our team to produce quality zero-emission vehicles here in North America,” said PMC plant leader Gail May.
The CR-V platform offers a balance of utility, passenger comfort, and driving dynamics, making it a practical base for the fuel cell variant. The sixth-generation CR-V, introduced for the 2023 model year, features a more rugged exterior, refined interior, and improved performance. Hybrid-electric versions already account for a significant share of CR-V sales, positioning the model as a key player in Honda’s electrification strategy.
Honda’s fuel cell technology leadership spans more than two decades, with milestones including the 2002 FCX, the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle, and the 2008 FCX Clarity, the first to be built on a dedicated fuel cell production line. The company has achieved operational reliability in both hot and sub-freezing conditions, and was the first to lease a fuel cell vehicle to an individual customer. Collaborative efforts with General Motors, initiated in 2013, aim to advance next-generation fuel cell systems and hydrogen storage solutions, with a joint venture established in 2017 to pursue mass production of more compact, lower-cost units.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor and heat. They store hydrogen in high-pressure tanks, eliminating CO2 emissions during operation. Refueling can be completed in minutes where infrastructure exists, offering convenience comparable to conventional gasoline vehicles.
Honda has invested over $14 million in California’s hydrogen refueling network and participates in H2USA, a public-private partnership dedicated to expanding hydrogen infrastructure in the United States. The company views renewable hydrogen as a critical component of a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Beyond vehicle development, Honda is working to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. In North America, it has entered into long-term virtual power purchase agreements for wind and solar energy, aiming to offset more than 60% of its manufacturing electricity needs. This approach enables full offset of carbon-intensive grid electricity used in its Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama plants. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible practices among its suppliers and dealer network, aligning its production and sales operations with its broader carbon neutrality goals.
