One of the world's largest car brands has announced that it will end a partnership designed to manufacture hydrogen fuel cell systems in the United States.
Honda has confirmed plans to discontinue the current model of fuel cell system now produced at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC (FCSM) in Brownstown, Michigan.
The factory, which was a joint venture between Honda and General Motors, will cease production before the end of 2026.
Despite this, Honda has outlined proposals to utilise the next-generation fuel-cell system being developed independently by the Japanese brand.
Honda will continue to work to expand business opportunities linked with its hydrogen operation as "one of the new core businesses" of the company.
It stated: "While positioning hydrogen, along with electricity, as high-potential energy carriers, Honda has been conducting research and development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for more than 30 years."
The FCSM facility was established in January 2017, becoming the first joint venture to produce advanced fuel cell systems in the automotive sector.
Honda and GM collaborated on the development, production and procurement of high-quality fuel cell systems.
Honda has announced a huge change to its hydrogen fuel cell development
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The fuel cell systems were described as having "excellent durability and low-temperature resistance", while the partnership allowed for developments to cut costs in the manufacturing process.
Honda is aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across all products and corporate activities, with a particular focus on carbon neutrality, clean energy and resource circulation.
The Tokyo-based manufacturer currently sells the 2026 CR-V e:FCEV in the United States, which features a fuel cell module and battery plug-in charging.
It is North America's first production vehicle to combine plug-in electric charging and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Honda is discontinuing its Fuel Cell system production in the United States
|HONDA
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The Honda CR-V e:FCEV makes use of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric technology
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The CR-V e:FCEV has a range of 270 miles, 174 horsepower, a 36,000-mile limited warranty and a starting price of $50,000 or £36,963.
When purchasing the vehicle, drivers can choose to invest in a portable charging kit for $355 (£262).
Prospective buyers have the option to select two grid cords, either for a standard outlet or an appliance outlet, in addition to a carry bag to stow them when they are not being used.
A small number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles remain on the market, including the Hyundai Nexo, Toyota Mirai and the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen.