Honda to launch two new electric cars in 2018

Honda will launch two all-new electric cars in 2018 – one for the Chinese market and one for global sale – as it seeks to make up lost ground on rivals and hit a self-imposed goal of two-thirds of its sales being powered by an electrified powertrain by 2025.

Although Honda has led the way in hydrogen car development, with the Clarity, and been a leading hybrid pioneer since the launch of the Insight in 1999, along with other Japanese manufacturers it has held back on launching pure electric cars.

Its senior management previously argued that the real-world emissions benefits of electric cars after the electricity was generated didn’t justify the technology, and instead preferred to concentrate on developing hydrogen fuel cell powered cars. Growing political pressure to sell electric cars in China and the rest of the world has forced a change of strategy, however.

To accelerate development of future electric cars, Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo ordered the creation of a standalone Electric Vehicle Development Division in October 2016, with the investment to build that technical expertise expected to yield more fully electric cars in time.

Few details of the bespoke global EV have been revealed, beyond Hachigo saying it will feature “a high-density, lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management and the evolution of energy transfer functions – both to and from the vehicle.” He also suggested the powertrain layout “will enable greater freedom in the design of vehicle packaging”. The car expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Hachigo also revealed that Honda is investigating new high-speed charging systems that would be capable of adding 150 miles of range for every 15 minutes of charging, as well as wireless charging technology.

In addition, Honda will roll out an innovative new two-stage hybrid powertrain across its European range, starting with the new CR-V, which will go on sale next year. The two-motor system links to a 2.0-litre petrol engine and is already sold in the US and Japan, in the Odyssey Hybrid and Accord Hybrid.