Honda unveils new American hybrids as it takes a $9 billion EV loss

To achieve this, Honda says it will launch 15 models with a new generation of hybrid powertrains by 2030, with most of them going here in North America. Yes, this includes an SUV capable of competing in the D segment with cars like the Toyota Sequoia or the Chevrolet Suburban. Honda is looking for a 10 percent increase in fuel efficiency and a 30 percent reduction in the cost of the new hybrid machine, and the first of the new hybrids – the sedan you see here – is scheduled to appear next year. Acura, Honda’s North American brand, is not left out – one of the things that was shown was the new Acura SUV model.

This Acura hybrid SUV is coming to America.

Credit: Acura

Honda wants to rejigger its US factories so they can all make hybrids; last year, we learned about an effort it made to include BEV assembly in its Marysville, Ohio plant. And the battery partnership with LG Energy Solution that is supposed to make EV batteries will have part of its line changed to make hybrid batteries, since Honda will need more of them.

Regional methods

Honda’s plan in Japan looks very different from its North American plan. Instead of many big hybrids, Japan will get Kei electric cars; you probably remember diminutive car form factor recently praised by President Trump, although my repeated inquiries to the US Department of Transportation revealed no real progress its promise to make small cars and trucks legal here.

Expanding in China will require the company to “integrate(e) the high speed of local businesses,” andunlike the US, success here they will they want more new EVs. India will be another important region, according to the company. There, the plan is for mid-size cars, and a very small product that could tempt some of Honda’s 6 million Indian motorcycle customers to sell something more expensive with twice as many wheels.