AUTONEWS

Honda aims to build world’s most efficient hybrids

Honda has previously hinted at slowing down its electric vehicle production, and now the Japanese automaker is looking to shift its focus more towards hybrids.

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe says demand for hybrids is growing, according to the British publication Autocar. The company plans to launch a new fleet of hybrid vehicles with the “world’s most efficient” SUS-electric powertrain, the executive notes.

The hybrid system itself will reportedly be thinner and lighter than the current unit, with a rev range that is about 40 percent wider than it is now. According to Honda, the tweak should yield efficiency improvements of about 10 percent.

As Motor1 previously reported, the company wants to launch 13 new models with its next-generation hybrid technology around the world by 2030. North America is the “main battleground,” according to the company.

Mibe, however, did not officially confirm which Honda products will be the first to get the new hybrid powertrain, but he said the setup will be paired with the company’s existing 1.5- and 2.0-liter gasoline engines. This means that vehicles in the U.S. like the Accord, Civic, CR-V, and HR-V could initially be used for the updated hybrid setup.

Honda isn’t giving up on electric vehicles entirely, though. The automaker is announcing new products in its 0 Series lineup, which include a new sedan and SUV. Mibe noted, “We would like to see the battery electric vehicle business as a pillar of our business from 2030 onwards.”

Honda’s 0 SUV and 0 Saloon electric vehicles will launch in 2026, but the company didn’t give an exact timeline for its new hybrids.

The hybrid system itself will reportedly be slimmer and lighter than the current unit, with a rev range that's approximately 40 percent broader than it is now. The setup should yield efficiency improvements of around 10 percent, according to Honda.

North America is a "main battleground," according to the company, with Honda even aiming to roll out hybrid hardware on its largest vehicles Stateside—likely the Passport and Pilot.

Mibe, though, didn't officially confirm which Honda products would get the new hybrid powertrain first, but he did say that the setup would pair with the company's existing 1.5- and 2.0-liter gas engines. That means vehicles in the US like the Accord, Civic, CR-V, and HR-V could all be tapped for the updated hybrid setup initially.

That said, Honda isn't giving up on EVs entirely. The automaker will continue production of its upcoming 0 Series products, which include a new sedan and an SUV. Mibe noted: "We would like to see the battery EV business as a pillar of our business from 2030 onward."

The Honda 0 SUV and 0 Saloon EVs will both launch sometime in 2026, but the company didn't provide a specific timeframe for its new hybrids. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Autonews