Japanese car-maker details its immediate electrification plan as part of its refreshed partnership with General Motors
Honda will invest around ¥5 trillion ($A53.6 billion) in electric vehicle technologies over the next 10 years to launch no fewer than 30 EVs by the end of 2030, including two all-new performance halo models and a pick-up truck.
The announcement comes just a week after the Japanese brand announced a renewed partnership with General Motors to co-develop and produce millions of budget-friendly EVs in all of the world’s biggest segments.
By 2030, Honda wants produce in excess of two million EVs annually and plans to do so by not only leveraging of GM’s latest Ultium tech, but also by strengthening ties with CATL in China and procuring batteries for ‘mini EVs’ from Envision AESC in Japan.
GM Ultium battery
Honda says it’s planning to build two dedicated EV production plants in China and one in North America to help it achieve its ambitious production goals.
More than half of the 30 new Honda EVs aren’t intended to enter their relative markets until at least 2025 or later, but between now and then the brand is looking to launch two new electric SUVs in the US (one under the Acura brand) and two commercial EVs, plus an electric Kei car and an electric family SUV for Japan.
There’s no word yet on what’s in store for our market from Honda Australia, which told carsales last September that its first EV remains two years away.
Honda SUV E:prototype
However, Honda Australia is sure to have its hand out for anything of relevance to Aussies buyers, which could include the all-electric ute that can be seen in one of the global line-up graphics here – right next to what we imagine will be the flagship supercar.
The timing of an electric ute from Honda could hardly be better given both Kia and Toyota have announced their own zero-emission pick-ups in recent months, both of which should be with us well before the end of this decade.
As for the two performance cars, the Japanese car-maker is a little light on for details at the moment, but says both models – a specialty model and a flagship sports car – will be available globally.
“While taking on challenges toward carbon neutrality and electrification, Honda always has a passion to offer FUN for its customers,” said Honda in a statement.
Toshihiro Mibe, president, CEO and representative director Honda Motor Co
“The ‘joy of driving’ will be passed on to our models even in the era of electrification, and Honda will globally introduce two sports models … which will embody Honda’s universal sports mindset and distinctive characteristics.”
Honda’s new flagship electric performance car will almost undoubtedly be a battery-powered successor for the famed Honda NSX, and we expect Honda to revive the hallowed nameplate for a third generation.
That would be a fitting evolution for the NSX given the original model was entirely combustion-powered and the recently discontinued second-generation supercar incorporated ground-breaking hybrid technology.
Both performance models will more than likely be underpinned by the next-gen Honda e:Architecture due to debut in 2026.
“Honda is striving to be a company which serves as a source of ‘power’ that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential,” added Honda.
“To this end, Honda strives to realize ‘the joy and freedom of mobility’ by seeking a ‘zero environmental footprint’.”
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Keyword: Honda promises 30 new EVs by 2030 – including a ute and supercars