Honda commits to electrified technology for every new model launched in Europe from 2020. Electrified technology will now feature in every new model launched by Honda in Europe starting with the production version of Honda Urban EV Concept confirmed for 2019.
Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, made the commitment as he unveiled Honda’s new electric vehicle, the Urban EV Concept. “This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019,” he added, confirming that the concept is set to become a reality within two years.
Honda’s Urban EV Concept is built on a completely new platform, and showcases advanced technology within a simple and sophisticated design. The Honda emblem on the concept is backlit in blue, which previews a new styling feature for the company’s future EVs. At a global level, Honda aims to have electrified technology in two thirds of its new car sales by 2030. In Europe, the target year is 2025, as interest is particularly strong.
The new CR-V Hybrid Prototype will be the first Honda hybrid SUV sold in Europe. The CR-V Hybrid powertrain delivers real-world efficiency and effortless drive-ability. The Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) two-motor system does not need a conventional transmission – instead, a more compact multi-mode unit with a single fixed-gear ratio delivers torque seamlessly to the wheels.
The new Honda Power Manager Concept, a fully integrated energy transfer system that can distribute electricity to and from the main grid, as well as directing power flow from renewable sources and managing the interaction of an electric vehicle battery connected to the home.
When required, Power Manager can draw on energy from the EV battery to power the home, and minimize the demand from the main grid. It even allows energy stored in the EV to be sold back to the grid to generate an income for the owner. Honda is participating in a trial in western France, where Power Manager units will be installed in a pilot scheme, as part of the development of a regional ‘smart grid’ to be completed by 2020.
