Honda Prioritizes Hybrid Vehicles

Honda showcases hybrid prototypes of the Accord and Acura RDX in Japan, signaling a shift in its industrial strategy. The company intends to release fifteen new hybrid models globally by 2030, with a strong focus on the North American market. These prototypes are built on a platform slated for production next year and utilize a two-motor hybrid system.

Honda revised its electric vehicle goals, abandoning the target of 20% EV sales by 2030 and scaling back ambitions for all-electric and fuel cell vehicles by 2040. The company will reallocate production capacity in its Ohio plants to build gasoline and hybrid vehicles. It also plans to convert some battery production lines, with LG, from EV batteries to hybrid batteries.

Honda aims to reduce the cost of its new generation hybrid system by over 30% and improve fuel economy by more than 10% compared to its 2023 solution. While Honda will continue developing pure electric vehicles for specific segments, like Japan’s kei cars, it will proceed more selectively. Further development of these technologies continues.