Honda will unveil its second-generation mass-produced FCEV, the CR-V e:FCEV, at the end of February 2024 and launch it in Japan this summer.

The model has attracted attention from various quarters, with Car Guy Akio Toyoda (as Mr Morizo) reportedly listening intently to the prototype model at the Honda booth at another event.

The circumstances surrounding the automotive industry are constantly changing, and so are the scales of technology. Reducing CO2 emissions by reducing vehicle weight is still an important technological issue, but nowadays, when decarbonisation and climate neutrality are the focus of attention, reducing CO2 emissions during production and recycling through life cycle assessment (LCA) is also an issue. There is not always a single right answer, as it also depends on the power supply mix and raw materials in the production area. The situation for powertrains is the same, and there are continuing possibilities for a wide range of technologies, not only BEVs, but also HEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs and eFuel.

The CR-V e:FCEV is the first FCEV from a Japanese OEM to be equipped with a plug-in charging function and can also be operated as a BEV. The ease of use as an FCEV has been taken into account while the station remains a challenge to popularise the system.

The system is equipped with a second-generation FC stack jointly developed by Honda and GM, and the materials and structure of the core components have been reviewed to achieve lower costs and higher durability.

Software-defined vehicles, in which the vehicle is defined by software, are also attracting attention. The evolution of automated driving/ADAS, enhanced in-vehicle infotainment and OTA (Over the Air) updates require vehicles to seamlessly integrate into the digital life of the user. In this connection, a series of new trends are emerging in the design of the interior/exterior and cockpit area.