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Globally, Honda is a true heavyweight. The Japanese sold more than four million passenger cars in 2022, which means 8th place among the largest car manufacturers worldwide. Honda has even become the world leader in motorcycles, with more than 17 million mopeds produced last year. There are also about 30 million engines each year for boats, lawnmowers and other equipment.
However, in Europe Honda is a relatively small number. In Switzerland, its market share in 2022 was about 1.1 percent – even lower across the continent. One reason for this is the extremely modest model portfolio. Especially when it comes to electric cars, Honda lags behind the competition: only one car, the stylish but horribly expensive city car Honda e (from 43,600 CHF, range 220 km), does not have an internal combustion engine.
Three new SUVs for Europe
“By 2030, we will invest approximately $64 billion worldwide in the electrification of our fleet and in software development,” said Katsuhisa Okuda, CEO of Honda Europe, in a presentation at Honda’s. European Research and development center in Offenbach (D). Those in charge of Honda there showed how much of the money is already being used: three new all- or at least partially electric SUVs set to launch in Europe this year.
The highlight is the brand’s second all-electric model: the e:Ny1. Behind the mysterious name is a 4.39-metre electric crossover that will continue to attract customers in the competitive B segment from autumn. Unlike the Honda e, the 1,660-pound, 204-hp (150-kW) e:Ny1 isn’t designed solely as a city car, but is intended to cover a range of more than 400 kilometers with its earlier 68.8 kWh battery. At least 45 minutes to a DC fast charger electric SUV – 78 kilowatts maximum is probably pretty poor value for an electric car that costs around 45,000 francs.
CR-V with first plug-in hybrid
Again to appeal to a younger audience, the hybrid SUV ZR-V will follow towards the end of the year, bridging the gap between the smaller HR-V (4.38m) and the larger CR with its 4.57m length. -V (4.71 m) closes. The ZR-V inherits the Civic’s e:HEV full hybrid propulsion: An electric motor is responsible for propulsion, while a petrol engine is used solely as a power generator. The result is a practical consumption of well under five liters per 100 kilometers.
The new version of the SUV flagship CR-V, which will be available with a plug-in hybrid drive for the first time in the sixth generation from autumn, should probably consume even less fuel than the ZR-V, which costs around 40,000 francs. Based on e:HEV full hybrid technology, a significantly larger battery provides up to 81 kilometers of electric range. The CR-V, which should start out as a full hybrid for just under 50,000 francs, is offered with both front-wheel drive and 4×4, which is an important argument especially for Switzerland.
Electric scooter with replaceable battery
But Honda will increasingly rely on electrical engineering for two-wheeled vehicles in the future. Ten models should be available by 2025. The compact electric scooter EM1 e: will be launched in September, initially available as rental or subscription only. Highlights: The e-scooter, which weighs less than 100 kilograms and can be driven at a top speed of 45 km/h with an A1 driver’s license, has a battery that can be removed from under the driver’s seat. can be easily changed at changing stations. As a result, a fairly manageable practical range of about 40 kilometers should not be a problem. At the beginning of 2024, Honda plans to launch the next, even bigger and faster electric scooter.
Smart charging solution
Honda also announced at Offenbach that it will further expand its e:Progress energy management service, which has been available in the UK since 2021. For EV drivers with their own homes, the system is a smart charger that supports the use of electricity from renewable sources and enables charging at the most cost-effective time based on current demand. British Honda customers should save the equivalent of 550 to 1100 francs per year, depending on mileage driven.
The dedicated photovoltaic system can now be integrated into the system: Customers can “intelligently” plan their charging processes to use when self-generated solar power is likely to be available. The system, currently available in Germany and from 2024 in Switzerland, aims to relieve the electricity grid with an increasing number of e-cars.
Swiss flagship project
The “V2X Suisse” pilot project, launched last year by Honda and Swiss car-sharing provider Mobility, goes even further: thanks to the bi-directional charging function, the 50 Honda e is used not only as a rental car, but also – connected to power. grid – as buffer storage for over- or under-production of used energy. Electric cars may be a solution for grid stability rather than a problem in the future. Honda has announced that the experience gained at Offenbach will one day be transferred to other projects.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
