Honda has revealed ambitious plans for all of its models sold in Europe will be electrified by 2022.
It had previously aimed to achieve that goal by 2025 — but improved self-confidence in its hybrid and electric powertrain technology has resulted in that marker being brought forward.
As part of these plans, six electrified models will be introduced over the next 36 months — including the recently-revealed, hybrid-only Jazz supermini and the hotly-anticipated e city car. It’s only hybrid offerings currently marketed in Europe are a variant of the CR-V SUV and the NSX supercar.
Tom Gardner, Honda Motor Europe senior vice president, said: “The pace of change in regulation, the market, and consumer behaviour in Europe means that the shift towards electrification is happening faster here than anywhere else in the world. As the pace of change continues to accelerate, we need to act sooner to meet these challenges head-on.”
Along with its 2022 goal, the Japanese manufacturer also revealed a new branding for its electrified products. ‘e: Technology’ will be the new umbrella for those battery-assisted and all-electric powertrains.
The first car to use it will the new Jazz, which will feature ‘e:HEV’ badging when it arrives on the market next year — standing for ‘Hybrid Electric Vehicle’.
