Honda revealed that all its new models to be sold in Europe will offer some sort of optional electrified technology. The Japanese car manufacturer made this revelation at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The company’s initiative is part of its larger plans to have electrified powertrains in two thirds of its new car sales by 2030 on a global scale, with the target for Europe being the year 2025.
Honda believes that Europe is well equipped to introduce hybrid and electric cars. Speaking about electrification plans, Takahiro Hachigo, Honda President and CEO said, “Here in Europe, we see this move towards electrification gathering pace at an even higher rate than elsewhere.” Honda has claimed that a production version of the Urban EV concept will be introduced in 2019. Moreover, the production model will ride on a completely new EV-specific platform which presents simple but beautiful lines of the concept, while additionally offering advanced technological features.
Honda also showcased the CR-V Hybrid prototype at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. The vehicle gets an all-new Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) two-motor hybrid setup, which includes an electric motor and a 2.0-litre petrol engine, plus a separate electric motor generator. Moreover, reports indicate that the new system disposes a conventional gearbox in place of a single-fixed gear ratio. Interestingly, the system is capable of shuffling between three driving modes depending on driving conditions.
The company has however not revealed as to which model will be first one to get the electric option. More details on Honda’s electric technology in regular cars will be known in the days to come.
