Plug-In, Battery, Small Diesel, Petrol All In Mix
Honda of Japan continues to hedge its bets on the question of future power-trains, and announced it plans to build new cars powered by a plug-in hybrid, a battery only electric vehicle, as well as improved diesel and petrol engine cars.
Plug-in hybrids and battery-only vehicles will appear in 2012. A new, smaller diesel engine will appear in Europe, also in 2012. Honda had previously produced only a “mild” hybrid, which didn’t allow the battery to power the vehicle alone, unlike Toyota’s “strong” hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid would have extensive battery-only range.
Press reports in Japan earlier had suggested that Honda would dump its plans for new, smaller clean diesels. Honda currently offers a 2.2 litre diesel in its European cars. Honda has been a leader in fuel-cell powered cars, but its medium-term strategy didn’t mentioned this technology.
Deutsche Bank said the 2012 timetable puts Honda one to 1-1/2 years behind the leaders in hybrid and battery technology, but this isn’t very significant.
“Such a short-time means little considering these are moves to re-invent the industry,” Deutsche Bank said in a report.
Hybrid Jazz
Deutsche Bank said some aspects of Honda’s programme are advanced. The little Jazz will be launched later this year with a hybrid, while the lithium-ion battery powered Civic will be the first volume compact car, the Bank said.
“Honda’s track record with electric motors and low-cost/low weight focus will make it highly competitive as the market evolves. Together with the potential to enhance existing power-trains 10 to 20 per cent – consider they currently do not use 6-speed or direct injection – the upside is significant,” Deutsche Bank said.
Neil Winton – August 1, 2010
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