Honda’s CR-V e:PHEV is the automaker’s first plug-in hybrid in Europe and it marks a shift from its reliance on full hybrids to reduce fuel consumption. While the plug-in hybrid drive will be available in the sixth generation of the CR-V, a battery-electric drive is not planned for the SUV.
The new CR-V has grown in all dimensions, with the largest increases in length and wheelbase. Despite the larger battery, the plug-in model has more trunk space than the full hybrid version, due to the battery’s location between the axles. Honda also states that the CR-V’s designers focused on creating excellent all-round visibility, which they believe reduces driving-related stress, increases the feeling of space, and gives all passengers security and confidence.
The biggest technical difference between the full hybrid and the plug-in hybrid models is the externally chargeable battery. Both models use a two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection that increases efficiency. Honda claims to have further improved the tuning of this engine, generating an additional two kW of power and a change of 4Nm in torque.
The drive with a 17.7 kWh lithium battery should allow the CR-V to travel up to 82 km electrically. A charge to 100% should take 2.5 hours. Honda hasn’t commented on charging options but a charge time of 150 minutes plus charging losses would mean an average charging power of just over 7 kW.
The automaker has not yet set prices or delivery times officially, but the battery alone should make the plug-in hybrid version more expensive than the full hybrid CR-V. However, production in China could cut manufacturing costs. Drivers should expect to pay around €45,000 for the plug-in hybrid model.
