Popular Hydrogen-Powered Cars
Hydrogen-powered cars combine the best of both worlds: zero-emissions driving and reduced environmental footprint of electric cars, with the convenience of fast refueling of gasoline vehicles. Provided that you have access to hydrogen refueling stations – most are concentrated in California – a hydrogen car can be a convenient choice.
At the moment, only three hydrogen-powered cars are available to the general public in the U.S. – the Hyundai Nexo, Honda CR-V FCEV, and the Toyota Mirai. All are based on hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which uses a fuel-cell stack to transform compressed hydrogen gas into electricity. Powered by electric motors, they share the instant torque, smoothness, and silent running of the best electric cars, and can be refilled in just a few minutes.
Let’s have a closer look at these vehicles.
Hyundai Nexo
Hyundai calls the Nexo the world’s first hydrogen-powered SUV, as well as the company’s technology flagship. With a practical five-door body, it has enough space for you, your family, and a lot of gear, and comes with a whole range of standard technology features.
The EPA estimates the Nexo’s driving range at 380 miles – enough to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco nonstop, and better than most electric vehicles on the market. Hyundai claims it can be filled with hydrogen in just five minutes. Its range and performance are both aided by sophisticated aerodynamics. Its interior is equally slick, and constructed of high-quality, luxurious materials.
Innovative features of the Nexo include a full suite of advanced driver assists, including lane following assist, forward collision assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and more. The Nexo’s most interesting feature is an automated parking function that lets the car reverse- or parallel-park itself. You don’t even need to be behind the wheel!
For early adopters of hydrogen, Nexo comes with $15,000 of fuel cards that can be redeemed at hydrogen stations for up to six years (or three years for leases). It is also eligible for the $4,500 California Clean Vehicle Rebate. For long trips that take you away from hydrogen filling stations, seven days of complimentary rental car usage are available for the first three years of ownership.
Starting price for the Nexo is $60,135, for the long-range blue trim. The more-luxurious Limited trim adds more high-end features including 19-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, for a slight range penalty – 354 miles, according to the EPA’s estimates.
Honda CR-V e:FCEV
The latest entry into the market for hydrogen-powered vehicles is Honda’s CR-V e:FCEV, a hydrogen fuel-cell powered CR-V crossover now available for lease in California. What makes it stand out is its fueling flexibility. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai and Nexo rely solely on hydrogen, converting it to electricity on-board to power their electric motors. While the hydrogen CR-V has an on-board fuel cell to generate electricity, it also has a substantial battery that can be charged by plugging it in – providing drivers with more “refueling” options. The on-board battery gives up to 29 miles of fully-electric driving around town, the fuel cell gives drivers the ability to go an estimated 270 miles, according to the EPA, with quick refueling at hydrogen stations for longer trips.
Honda’s engineers tuned the hydrogen CR-V’s structure and suspension to deliver the same engaging driving experience and refinement as gasoline and hybrid CR-V models. The body is actually more rigid in the rear, while torsional rigidity has also improved. The MacPherson struts in the front and the multi-link suspension in the rear have also been completely re-tuned for the hydrogen fuel cell setup, ensuring a smooth ride and responsive handling.
While it’s based on the familiar CR-V design – currently available in gasoline and hybrid variants – the hydrogen CR-V has a look all its own. In fact, it has completely new body panels at the front, including a new bumper, a low, upright grille design and long hood for an aggressive, sleek look. The rear is also different, with a distinctive rear bumper and a unique tailgate design. Underneath, the entire underbody has an aerodynamic cover for improved efficiency and range. 18-inch, 10-spoke black alloy wheels are also unique to the CR-V e:FCEV.
Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai – Japanese for “future” – will be arriving in owners’ hands in late 2022. It is built on the company’s high-strength GA-L platform, with sophisticated multilink suspension, superb handling agility and an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride.
The Mirai uses solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cells, along with three compressed hydrogen tanks. It also has an electric “supercharger” – an electric air compressor pressurizes the intake air, and a water-cooled intercooler reduces the temperature of the compressed air before it enters the fuel cell stack. This helps maximize efficiency.
Mirai’s fuel cell powers a rear-mounted electric motor, which gives it a high-end, luxury-car feel. Three drive modes – normal, eco, and sport – let you alter its driving behavior. The result is an EPA estimated range of 402 miles for the $49,500 XLE trim. There is also a more luxurious Limited trim, starting at $66,000 MSRP with larger wheels and a sustainable leather-like interior.
Unlike the Nexo, which is a tall SUV-like hatchback, Mirai is a sleek sedan, which helps its aerodynamics and its range. Inside, it is luxuriously equipped, with a digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen, and top-quality materials. The Limited model includes heated and ventilated seats, three-zone automatic climate control, multi-color ambient lighting, and more.
Mirai also includes Toyota’s new Teammate suite of driver-assistance technologies. New semi-autonomous features such as advanced drive and advanced park let the car execute basic maneuvers itself under the right conditions. Radar-operated cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection keep you safe.
Like the Nexo, Mirai includes $15,000 worth of complimentary hydrogen fuel for purchasers over six years, or three years for leases. It is also eligible for the $4,500 California Clean Vehicle Rebate, in addition to local incentives.
*Updated 5/24/24 to include the new Honda CR-V e:FCEV
