The Japanese manufacturer has abandoned its plans to fully switch to electric cars. Instead, they have a different goal in mind: CO₂ neutrality. To achieve this, they want to rely on a healthy mix of different technologies for vehicles. This also includes combustion engines.
Which manufacturer is it about? The Japanese car manufacturer Honda is one of the most reliable car brands in the world. But while most manufacturers worldwide are now switching to fully electric vehicles, Honda has taken a different path.
In its official strategy papers, they have now removed their targets for electric cars: They have abandoned the goal of 30% electric cars of all cars sold. Instead, electric cars are only a means to another end: CO₂ neutrality.
CO₂ neutrality and not just electric cars with brute force
What are Honda’s plans? The Japanese manufacturer reinforces that the battery-powered car is not an end in itself. The brand is now pursuing a diverse strategy where hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and hybrid drives remain priority paths to achieving CO₂ neutrality.
Honda is already selling electrified models, but the executives consider it risky to rely solely on this technology. The manufacturer points out that the charging infrastructure is still unevenly distributed, which hinders the introduction in several strategic markets. According to Honda, hybrid vehicles are still the preferred solution for many drivers, especially in Asia and North America.
Honda argues in a paper that electrification is not always the best solution for climate protection in every market or segment. Often, infrastructure or a power mix from renewable sources is lacking, which reduces the CO₂ saving potential. In developing and emerging countries, Honda therefore continues to rely on combustion engines.
Therefore, Honda wants to offer solutions with alternative technologies everywhere where fully electric vehicles would not bring quick progress. Electric mobility is an important but not sole means of achieving real CO₂ neutrality.
A study has examined how often drivers change their vehicle and buy a new one: Owners of electric cars switch their models more often than those using gasoline-powered vehicles. And the period of use varies considerably: According to a study, electric car drivers buy a new car 4 times as often as gasoline drivers
