Honda entered the electrification arena later than some competitors. Currently, we witness the Prologue and Acura ZDX hitting the streets, both built on GM's Ultium platform. Despite the declining excitement for electric vehicles, Honda is advancing with a unique platform for Acura's forthcoming electric SUV and a full lineup of 0 Series models, indicating no intention to decelerate its EV initiatives.
"Many are discussing the downturn in EV sales," remarked Shinji Aoyama, Honda Global Executive Vice President, during a Monterey roundtable. "Our aim is steadfast, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050." He further emphasized Honda's commitment to battery EVs as the most efficient solution for small mobility, such as motorcycles and cars, and expressed confidence in the steady progression of the EV era.
While other automakers are scaling back their EV investments, Honda remains committed. Ford and General Motors are redirecting funds towards plug-in hybrids, and brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz are delaying their EV timelines. However, Honda is not fully committed to EVs yet. Kazuhiro Takizawa, CEO of American Honda, highlighted a "balanced" approach, including ICE and hybrid vehicles in future plans.
"We will sustain investments in our hybrid and ICE vehicles," Takizawa stated, "adopting a balanced and adaptable strategy towards electrification. We are pioneering a unique, flexible method at our Ohio EV hub, starting the initial phase of EV production next year, allowing us to manufacture both gas and electric vehicles on the same line."
Honda's new 0 Series platform, unveiled at CES, will support future Honda SUVs and a sports car. Acura will utilize this platform for its performance EV SUV and an "NSX-Type" sports car, as confirmed by Aoyama. This new EV platform is designed to be "light." "We aim to construct a robust EV brand, not just an EV business, to attain our zero environmental impact goal," Aoyama concluded.
