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Honda has announced that its CR-V e:FCEV will be the first-ever hydrogen-powered vehicle to compete in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The race-prepped vehicle will be driven by Pikes Peak class-winner Dai Yoshihara and will take on the famous mountain course on June 22. This entry marks a significant milestone in Honda’s long history of zero-emissions motorsports.
Key Highlights
- The Honda CR-V e:FCEV will be the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to enter the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
- Veteran driver and Pikes Peak champion Dai Yoshihara will pilot the vehicle in the Exhibition Class.
- The vehicle’s zero-emissions powertrain remains unmodified, showcasing its production capabilities.
- Hydrogen fueling will be managed by a new, portable refueling station from Zero Emission Industries (ZEI).
A Historic Race to the Clouds
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, known as the “Race to the Clouds,” is one of America’s oldest and most challenging motorsports events. The course features 156 turns over 12.42 miles, climbing to a summit of 14,115 feet.
The CR-V e:FCEV is a collaborative effort between the Honda of America Race Team (HART), Honda R&D Japan, and Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US). The vehicle will compete in the exhibition class, demonstrating the capabilities of its innovative powertrain without modification. This powertrain features the second-generation Honda fuel cell system, a 17.7 kWh battery pack, and a front-mounted single motor.
Vehicle Preparation and Fueling
The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV is the only fuel cell electric passenger vehicle made in America and is hand-built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. For the competition, modifications are minimal and focus on safety and performance. The stock vehicle has been fitted with a lowered suspension, racing brake pads, and lightweight 18-inch wheels with Yokohama Advan A052 tires. Engineers also installed a safety cage and racing seat.
A key element of this historic attempt is the refueling process. Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) will provide hydrogen fueling using its new FTcase, a portable solution that can transform any gaseous hydrogen supply into a fueling station. This compact device allows a single operator to refuel the vehicle safely and efficiently.
Honda’s Zero-Emissions Racing Legacy
Honda has a rich history of competing with zero-emissions vehicles at Pikes Peak, beginning in 1994 with a first-place finish in the inaugural “EV Class.” The company continued its success with another class win in 1999 with an EV Plus.
More recently, Honda has used the event to test advanced electric vehicle technology. In 2015, a four-motor EV concept based on the CR-Z won the Exhibition Class. An improved version in an NSX-style body shattered its previous record in 2016.
About the Driver and Vehicle
Driver Dai Yoshihara is a two-time Formula Drift champion and a Pikes Peak veteran, having secured an Unlimited Class win in 2020. He has been racing for Honda since 2023.
The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV is a unique compact CUV that combines a U.S.-made fuel cell system with plug-in charging. It offers an EPA-estimated driving range of 270 miles, with up to 29 miles of pure EV driving, providing flexibility for both daily commutes and longer trips with fast hydrogen refueling. The vehicle delivers 174 horsepower and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, ensuring a sporty and refined driving experience. More information about Honda’s racing programs can be found at Honda Racing Corporation USA.
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