Loading

Does Honda make a hydrogen car?

Yes. Honda has built hydrogen-powered cars in the past, most notably the Clarity Fuel Cell, but as of 2025 it does not widely offer a hydrogen passenger car for sale in most markets. The company’s current hydrogen work is focused on research, partnerships, and applications beyond consumer sedans, while its consumer lineup centers on hybrids and battery-electric models.


Current status of Honda hydrogen cars


Here are the key facts about Honda's hydrogen passenger-car program today:



  • Clarity Fuel Cell: Honda produced a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the Clarity family, which was sold/leased in limited markets (notably Japan, parts of Europe, and California in the United States) beginning around 2017. Production and availability were always limited by cost and infrastructure.

  • Production status: The Clarity Fuel Cell’s production for passenger use effectively ended in 2021, and Honda has since reduced or paused consumer sales of hydrogen-powered passenger cars in most markets. Availability has been driven by demand and fueling-network constraints.

  • Refueling infrastructure: Hydrogen refueling stations remain scarce in many regions. In the United States, California has the strongest network, while Japan and parts of Europe maintain some stations, though coverage is far from universal.

  • Other initiatives: Honda continues to research hydrogen fuel-cell technology and pursues hydrogen use in fleets, commercial vehicles, buses, and energy storage. It also maintains partnerships (including a long-running collaboration with General Motors) to develop next-generation fuel-cell systems and related technology for future applications.


In summary, Honda does have a history with hydrogen cars, but for consumers today the options are very limited or unavailable in most markets. The company is more focused on research, partnerships, and non-passenger uses of hydrogen, while prioritizing battery-electric and hybrid vehicles for its broader consumer lineup.


Historical timeline of Honda's hydrogen program


Key milestones illustrate how Honda has approached hydrogen over the years:



  1. 2013–2016: Honda previews fuel-cell technology and concept vehicles as part of its broader electrification strategy.

  2. 2016–2017: Introduction of the Clarity family, with the Clarity Fuel Cell becoming Honda’s flagship hydrogen passenger-car offering in select markets.

  3. 2021: Honda largely winds down mass-market hydrogen passenger-car production, concentrating availability in a few markets and leasing programs.

  4. 2022–2025: Honda continues hydrogen research and collaborates with other automakers and energy companies to develop next-generation fuel-cell systems and explore heavy-duty/hydrogen-based energy applications.

  5. Ongoing: Partnerships (notably with General Motors) to advance fuel-cell technology and explore future hydrogen-enabled mobility solutions across different vehicle types and energy applications.


These milestones show a shift away from broad consumer hydrogen car sales toward targeted hydrogen research, commercial applications, and collaborative development for future technologies.


What this means for consumers


If you’re hoping for a new Honda hydrogen-powered passenger car today, you should expect limited or no availability in most markets. Honda’s current consumer lineup emphasizes hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, such as the Prologue and other electrified models, while hydrogen technology remains part of its long-term research and its work with partners on heavy-duty trucks, buses, and energy storage applications. For buyers considering alternative clean-m transportation, electric and hybrid Honda models offer a practical route with a broader, more reliable charging/refueling network.


Hydrogen cars versus other clean-mobility options


In the current landscape, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles face infrastructure and cost barriers that make battery-electric vehicles more practical for most consumers. Honda’s strategy reflects a broader industry trend: keep hydrogen development active for specific use cases (fleet, commercial, energy storage) while prioritizing scalable options for everyday personal mobility.


Summary


Honda has a proven historical track record with hydrogen fuel-cell cars, most notably the Clarity Fuel Cell, but it has scaled back consumer hydrogen-car offerings in favor of targeted research, partnerships, and a stronger emphasis on hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. Hydrogen tech remains part of Honda’s broader mobility and energy strategy, particularly for fleets and commercial applications, while the average car buyer today is more likely to encounter Honda’s BEV or hybrid options.

What is the biggest problem with hydrogen cars?


The biggest problems with hydrogen cars are cost, infrastructure, and production efficiency. The cost of producing green hydrogen is high, and it is currently more expensive to operate than electric vehicles. There is also a severe lack of hydrogen refueling stations, making them impractical for most drivers. Furthermore, most of the hydrogen currently produced is made from fossil fuels (gray hydrogen), which is polluting. 
Cost and efficiency

  • Expensive fuel: Hydrogen fuel is significantly more expensive to produce and purchase than electricity for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). 
  • Inefficient production: The process of creating hydrogen, especially "green" hydrogen through electrolysis, is energy-intensive, resulting in a lower overall energy efficiency compared to charging a BEV directly. 
  • Expensive cars: The cars themselves are expensive to buy due to high production costs and limited manufacturing volume. 

Infrastructure
  • Lack of refueling stations: There is a massive shortage of hydrogen fueling stations. For example, there were only about 45 in the US as of 2021, compared to thousands of gas stations and charging points for BEVs.
  • High cost to build stations: Building a single hydrogen refueling station can cost millions of dollars, making it a difficult investment for companies. 

Production and safety
  • Polluting production: Most hydrogen today is "gray" hydrogen, produced using fossil fuels, which releases carbon emissions. Producing it cleanly (green hydrogen) is much more expensive. 
  • Handling and storage issues: Hydrogen is a gas that must be stored under high pressure or at extremely low temperatures, which requires complex and bulky tanks. 
  • Safety concerns: Storing and handling high-pressure hydrogen gas poses safety risks, including the potential for leaks, explosions, and embrittlement of some metals. 



Does Honda have a hydrogen-powered car?


And mixes it with oxygen from the atmosphere. In a catalyst. And the chemical process generates electricity.



How many miles per gallon does a 2025 CR-V hybrid get?


The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city / 36 mpg highway for front-wheel drive (2WD) models and 40 mpg city / 34 mpg highway for all-wheel drive (AWD) models. Combined EPA estimates are 40 mpg for 2WD and 37 mpg for AWD. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, speed, and other factors. 
This video reviews the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid and discusses its fuel economy: 56sAUTO TVYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid MPG estimates

  • 2WD: 43 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined 
  • AWD: 40 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined 

Factors that influence MPG
  • Driving conditions: City driving often results in better MPG for hybrids due to regenerative braking, while highway speeds can decrease efficiency. 
  • Speed: Driving faster than the speed limit, especially over 70 mph, can reduce mileage. 
  • Drive mode: The 4-mode drive system (ECON/Normal/Snow/Sport) on hybrids can affect fuel efficiency. 
  • Other factors: Using air conditioning or heat can also impact fuel economy. 



How expensive is it to refill a hydrogen car?


Car in the United States by $40,000. Plus they'll give you $15,000 fuel card so it's $55,000 discount off the normal price which is incredible. There's a reason for that.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.