Honda to focus on EVs

Honda says it will phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) models and switch to EVs from 2040.

However, Honda is reportedly pulling the plug on production of its Clarity plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) in August after discontinuing the Clarity EV last year.

While Honda makes the electric Honda e, it plans more with two new electric SUVs for the US market by 2024, probably using Ultium batteries through its deal with General Motors, and later intends producing other EVs, media explain.

Honda seems keen on partnerships to further boost electrified mobility, Honda chief executive officer Toshihiro Mibe earlier saying Honda won’t hesitate to form alliances where necessary.

Early in June it announced a deal with Komatsu to develop electric micro excavators using swappable batteries and to work on a battery sharing system for the civil engineering and construction industry.

In March, Honda formed a consortium with Yamaha, KTM AG and Italy’s Piaggio & C SpA to develop swappable battery standards for electric two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles.

Honda is expected to launch three new electric two-wheelers by 2024, and is forecast to have 10 new EV cars in China by 2026, Bloomberg reports.

It notes Honda sells about 15 million two-wheelers annually compared with about 4.5 million cars, BNEF forecasting electric two-wheeler sales will reach 78 million by 2040.