Honda is taking a head start on the proposed full ICE bans in Europe.
By the end of 2022, Honda will focus on hybrids, EVs, alternative fuels, and hydrogen.
Honda brass in Europe has confirmed that they will indeed no longer sell internal combustion engine-only cars and SUVs that feed on petrol or diesel by the end of 2022. The goal is to move into EVs however this will not happen in the same timeframe.
The limiting factor to EVs remains, for the time being, costs. For both the manufacturer and consumer, EVs are not entirely affordable for the masses. Honda’s senior vice president, Ian Howells, said: “They’re a third to 50% more expensive than a conventional or hybrid vehicle.”
Autocar’s report indicates that Honda believes in a multi-pathway to reducing their carbon footprint. This is why e-fuels, biomass, hydrogen, conventional fuels (for hybrids), and batteries all have a role to play in moving forward.
Given that hybrids still rely on an ICE for propulsion, their viability is limited. Howells adds: “It [Honda’s line-up] will be a combination of full-electric and hybrid. Obviously, if the legislation starts to move as we approach 2035, or transitions away from hybrid as well, then we’ll move our technology away from that.”
