CR-V Takes on Pikes Peak

Honda CR-V e:FCEV Tackles Pikes Peak

Hydrogen as a fuel source hasn’t gained the traction some auto manufacturers were banking on, with most refueling stations confined to California. While both experts and consumers have leaned more toward battery-electric vehicles, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV is stepping up to demonstrate the potential of fuel cells by taking a crack at the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, lovingly nicknamed the “Race to the Clouds.” This grueling, 12.42-mile course with 156 turns set for June 22nd is only doable thanks to Zero Emissions Industries’ (ZEI) FTcase, an innovative portable hydrogen refueling system.

Honda’s Legacy

Honda isn’t new to the Pikes Peak scene, especially with zero-emission cars. They’ve been at this high-altitude challenge since 1994 when an electric Honda Civic wagon clinched the first EV Class win. That wasn’t a one-off. In 1999, they raced an EV Plus that brought home the gold in the same class. Fast forward to 2014, they again led the pack with an electrified Honda Fit. In 2015, Honda expanded into the Exhibition Class with an EV concept modeled on the CR-Z, and a year later, a four-motor EV styled after the NSX completed the climb in just over nine minutes.

CR-V Specs

On June 22nd, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV will face off in the Exhibition Class with a zero-emission powertrain fresh from production. Modifications include a lowered suspension by an inch, 18-inch wheels, racing brake pads, a racing seat, and a safety cage. Due to the absence of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the area, the CR-V e:FCEV will lean on ZEI’s FTcase for refueling, proving how a single person with no hydrogen experience can handle refueling.

The 2025 CR-V e:FCEV showcases Honda’s second-gen fuel cell system that boosts durability and efficiency while cutting costs. It provides the option for plug-in charging, enabling up to 29 miles of electric-only driving, and offers an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles. With a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it churns out 174 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque.

Driving Feel

Behind the wheel, the CR-V e:FCEV feels surprisingly robust. The power delivery, thanks to the electric motor, is smooth and punchy without the typical turbo lag found in traditional gas engines. Compared to the pure electric vehicles, the additional weight from the hydrogen system is barely noticeable, making it still agile around bends and curves. It’s like driving a comfortable crossover but with the advanced tech that feels somewhat futuristic.

Military Interest

ZEI’s FTcase has implications beyond civilian roads, particularly for the military, where portable refueling solutions are intriguing. The U.S. Special Forces Operations Command is eyeing “Reduced Signature” capabilities for alternative fuels with minimized thermal, visual, and audible footprints. Hydrogen might just tick these boxes, given its low emissions and soft thermal signature—a real asset in stealthy operations.

The Army is exploring alternative power, and hydrogen is on its radar. With existing greenhouse gas-free attributes and a low thermal profile, hydrogen stands out in research efforts to refine fuel cells and cleansing systems for military needs. Under prior administrations, solar got a lot of play, but now there’s a pivot toward hydrogen fuel cells. Last year, the Air Force installed a 600-kW fuel cell microgrid at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, marking a cautious but clear step toward hydrogen.

Conclusion

The Honda CR-V e:FCEV’s performance at Pikes Peak is shaping as a validation for portable hydrogen refueling like the ZEI FTcase. Without it, a hydrogen-powered contender might still be a pipe dream. While hydrogen refueling stations are few and far between, making the infrastructure costly and hard to come by, the ongoing research and development by automakers, plus the military’s interest, hint that hydrogen might not be sidelined for long. It could soon find its place alongside other green power solutions where pure electric options just don’t fit the bill.