Hydrogen-Powered Honda CR-V e:FCEV To Enter Pikes Peak Hill Climb For The First Time

Honda has confirmed that the CR-V e:FCEV will participate in the 2024 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22. The vehicle will be the first hydrogen-powered entry in the event’s history. This marks another step in Honda’s participation in alternative-fuel motorsport projects.

Prepared by Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) and the Honda of America Race Team (HART), the CR-V e:FCEV will compete in the Exhibition Class. It will use a standard zero-emission fuel cell powertrain without changes. The hydrogen-electric setup includes a U.S.-made fuel cell system, a single electric motor, a 17.7 kWh battery and two hydrogen storage tanks.

The CR-V e:FCEV will be driven by Dai Yoshihara, a past class winner at Pikes Peak and current Honda racer in the IMSA and TC America series. The vehicle’s changes for competition include a 1-inch lowered suspension, racing brakes, 18-inch wheels with Yokohama tires, a roll cage, and a racing seat. All other systems, including the powertrain, remain standard.

The CR-V e:FCEV is built at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio and is currently available for lease in California. It has a rated range of 270 miles, with 29 miles of electric-only driving available through plug-in charging.

Hydrogen refueling for the race will be supported by Zero Emission Industries (ZEI), using its FTcase device. This portable hydrogen fueling system is designed to work with standard hydrogen supply sources and requires no specialist skills to operate.

Honda has participated in Pikes Peak with electric vehicles since 1994. Previous entries include an electric Honda Civic wagon, EV Plus, Fit EV and concept vehicles based on the CR-Z and NSX platforms. Notable past results include class wins and record-setting runs.