In the face of expensive development and slowed EV demand, Honda announced to the world that it was canceling its planned EVs last year. Instead, Honda would focus on hybrids. Since that announcement, the company has been previewing the technology that it will be implementing. This week, Honda reiterated its commitment to the hybrid segment by updating its planned list of new vehicles, as well as new branding for its technology.
The name is a bit boring, but the wave of cars coming shouldn’t be.
The wordmark logo for Honda Hybrid against a white backgroundHonda
North America Is Getting Most Of Honda’s Hybrids
We’ll get the name out of the way, since there’s not much to it. Honda is just calling its new generation of electrified powertrains “Honda Hybrid.” This will apparently be the name that will appear on the vehicles, along with the updated “H” badge that has mostly only appeared on concept cars and on the Honda-powered Aston Martin F1 race cars. It’s certainly an accurate name, but quite unimaginative. Even with this name, it’s still possible that we’ll also see the recently trademarked “DualPower eAWD” on relevant models such as all-wheel-drive CR-Vs or Pilots.
On that note, Honda once again confirmed that it has 15 models coming by the end of March 2030 with the company’s new hybrid powertrains, and it further noted that most of those new models will be headed to North America.
2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid front 3/4Honda
We know that Honda has two main hybrid powertrains on the way, one being a four-cylinder for smaller vehicles, and a V6 for larger ones, which effectively covers the whole range of current Hondas and Acuras. Assuming every current Honda-branded model gets a new hybrid, that accounts for 8 models. Doing the same for Acura would add another 4 for a total of 12.
Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype (2)Honda
Among the first of these new hybrids will likely be the next-generation CR-V, which is supposed to enter production next year. A new Acura RDX is also likely to be one of the early launches, since it was previewed by a concept, though without the RDX name, earlier this year, and the brand is in serious need of its small SUV. Alongside that Acura SUV concept was a Honda-branded fastback sedan. It wasn’t clear which car it was previewing more, a Civic or an Accord, but both are slated to get new powertrains and major redesigns in the time frame Honda has given.
Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype (2)Honda
What Do We Know About The New Hybirds?
Honda has shared a surprising amount about its new powertrains, as well as the platforms surrounding them. Its new four-cylinder system is quite similar to what Honda uses right now, even down to using a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder. However, Honda has added direct injection to the engine, updated the electric motors to be more efficient, and tweaked when the engine is used to further maximize fuel economy. Honda has a new chassis to go with it that will be significantly lighter, further improving performance and efficiency. The CR-V will be one of the first with these upgrades, followed by Civic and Accord among others.
Honda next-gen midsize platform architectureHonda
The V6 hybrid is much newer. It uses the same basic layout as the four-cylinder system, with propulsion coming from the electric motors directly, like in a series hybrid, rather than routed through a conventional transmission. The engine can couple to the front motor though in certain situations for maximum power and in situations where that’s more efficient than just generating electricity. The V6 is a new engine, not based on the venerable J-series used in current Hondas. Honda also is using rather powerful (though still unspecified) electric motors front and rear with tuning designed to handle heavy loads and towing. This powertrain will likely appear first in the Acura RDX, followed by other midsize to large Honda and Acura products.
Honda’s new V6 hybrid system has been developed for towing and off-road purposes for the American audience.Honda
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
After suffering the company’s first financial loss last year with development of its still-born EVs, Honda is looking to bounce back. It already has a bit this year with roaring CR-V sales in the wake of a fumbled Toyota RAV4 launch. These new hybrids, assuming they work well, could keep Honda’s rebound going strong for the next few years, especially as consumers seem to be more and more interested in the technology.
We think Honda has a good short- to medium-term strategy, but long-term it should probably consider how it will eventually rejoin the electric market.
