Honda has announced that it will be entering its Honda CR-V e:FCEV, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, to compete in the renowned Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the United States, also known as the “Race to the Clouds.”
Held annually, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a sprint to the summit of Pikes Peak, at 4,302 metres. The course spans 19.99 km, features 156 turns, and includes inclines of up to 7.2%.
It’s a challenging event, and just finishing the run itself is already worth celebrating. But Honda wants to do one better, as they’ll be running the race – in the “exhibition class” granted – with no modifications to the CR-V e:FCEV’s powertrain.
Assembled at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Centre in Ohio, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV is notably the only fuel cell passenger vehicle to be made in America, and the first to pair a hydrogen fuel cell with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, according to Honda in its press materials.
The powertrain of this hydrogen-powered CR-V features Honda’s second-generation fuel cell module, with an estimated power output of 92.2 kW. This, in turn, powers a front-mounted electric motor that produces 174 hp and 310 Nm of torque.
Together with an onboard 17.7 kWh battery pack and two high-pressure hydrogen tanks, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV has a range of 434 km and a pure EV range of 46 km, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing standard.
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For the gruelling hill climb, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV will compete in a mostly stock configuration, featuring modifications prepared by the Honda of America Race Team (HART) and Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US).
These modifications include a one-inch lowered suspension, racing brake pads, lightweight 18-inch wheels and Yokohama Advan A052 tyres, a racing seat, plus a custom-fabricated safety cage.
Taking the wheel of this specially prepared Honda CR-V e:FCEV is Dai Yoshihara, who is a Pikes Peak class-winner, two-time Formula Drift Champion, and HRC US driver.
For the fuel cell-powered CR-V, its hydrogen will be supplied by Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) during the event. They will use their new portable hydrogen refuelling solution, called FTcase, which is barely larger than a carry-on luggage.
Closer to home, Honda Malaysia has recently launched the battery electric vehicle (BEV) Honda e:N1, priced at an introductory RM149,900. This is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that makes 204 hp and 310 Nm.
The electric motor on the e:N1 draws power from a 68.8 kWh ternary lithium-ion (NMC) battery pack, which enables a range of 500 km (NEDC). Charging is supported by AC charging at 10 kW and DC charging at 78 kW, which enables a 30% to 80% charge in 50 minutes.
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