Honda’s Hydrogen-Powered CR-V Set to Concur Pikes Peak
Honda’s about to make history at America’s most mental mountain race. And they’re doing it with… a CR-V. Yes, a family SUV. But not just any CR-V.
Honda’s Been Quietly Building a Pikes Peak Legacy
Honda’s been mucking about at Pikes Peak since 1994 with an EV-converted Civic wagon. That’s proper old-school stuff right there. Driver Katy Endicott won the first-ever EV class with a 15:44.7 time. Not exactly blistering, but groundbreaking.
Since then, Honda has used Pikes Peak as its playground for renewable fuel. They’ve thrown everything at that mountain. Four-motor NSX concepts that nearly cracked the nine-minute mark. Hybrid prototypes that set records. But this year? They’re going full hydrogen. And it’s absolutely mental.
Meet the World’s First Hydrogen Hill Climber
The Honda CR-V e: FCEV will be the first hydrogen-powered vehicle ever to compete at Pikes Peak. Think about that for a second. In all the years of bonkers prototype racers, nobody’s tried hydrogen. Under the bonnet sits Honda’s second-generation fuel cell system paired with a 17.7 kWh battery pack.
Two high-pressure hydrogen tanks deliver 174 hp and 310 Nm of torque. Not exactly earth-shattering numbers, but that’s not the point. This is about proving that hydrogen can work. At 14,000 feet above sea level. On America’s most challenging race course.
The Driver Who Knows What He’s Doing
Dai Yoshihara will pilot this, and he’s no slouch. Five Pikes Peak attempts, including an Unlimited Class win in 2020 and second place in 2022. Two-time Formula Drift champion, too. He’ll tackle 12.42 miles and 156 turns of pure Colorado madness. That’s like threading a needle while riding a rollercoaster in an SUV running on hydrogen.
Honda’s Refreshingly Honest Approach
Here’s where Honda gets interesting. While others build purpose-built monsters, Honda’s keeping the CR-V almost stock. Suspension dropped one inch, racing brake pads, lightweight 18-inch wheels with Yokohama Advans.
They’ve chucked in a roll cage and racing seat. But otherwise? It’s basically what you’d buy from a Honda dealer. That’s either brilliant confidence or complete madness. The refuelling setup is clever, though. Honda is partnering with Zero Emission Industries for portable hydrogen refuelling.
The FT case is about carry-on luggage size and doesn’t need professional training, proper, neat engineering.
Why Honda’s Approach Is Genius
While everyone else builds million-dollar one-offs, Honda is proving that hydrogen works in real cars. The CR-V e:FCEV isn’t some fantasy prototype. It’s a real production vehicle that you can buy. It’s unlikely to win outright. But that’s missing the point. Honda’s playing the long game here.
They’re showing hydrogen can work at altitude, under stress, in racing conditions. If a stock CR-V can complete Pikes Peak on hydrogen, imagine what purpose-built hydrogen racers could achieve. Honda’s not just racing. They’re conducting the world’s most public R&D project.
Conclusion
Forget lap times for a moment. Honda is about to prove that hydrogen deserves a seat at the automotive future table. At America’s most challenging race. In front of the world’s automotive press. That’s either brave or completely bonkers.
Knowing Honda, it’s probably both. And that’s exactly why we love them for it. The race will happen on June 22, 2025. Mark your calendars. History’s about to be made, one hydrogen molecule at a time. Thanks for reading till the end. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.