Whereas just about each different ‘legacy’ automaker is busy transitioning from the inner combustion engine to electrical propulsion, famend grasp of engineering and innovation, Honda, has been comparatively gradual to react.

Happily, that is about to vary. Honda says it should reveal its plans to provide a ‘world collection’ of electrical automobiles on the CES 2024 present in Vegas early subsequent 12 months.

Though particulars are pretty skinny on the bottom, the Japanese marque launched a teaser picture that seems to point out an idea automobile that appears like nothing else within the present Honda secure. It exhibits a closely sloping, wedge-like entrance finish (there’s positively some Tesla Cybertruck vibes in there) that’s bereft of a basic bumper and visual headlights. 

The wheel is huge and incorporates a drag-reducing design that’s lined intricate triangles. It’s all basic idea automobile stuff that probably gained’t make it into manufacturing, however it’s good to see Honda returning to its typically whacky methods.

Maybe an important takeaway from this early teaser is the very fact Honda will showcase “some key applied sciences which symbolize the numerous transformation Honda is presently present process” in its transfer in direction of electrification area.

Furthermore, it says it plans to extend “the ratio of EV and FCEV gross sales to 100 per cent globally by 2040”. In different phrases, each mannequin it sells in 17 years’ time might be totally electrical or powered by hydrogen gas cell expertise.

Evaluation: Honda seems to be to be again on kind

When the Honda e launched again in early 2020, I used to be satisfied that it could sign the start of Honda’s world EV marketing campaign. In any case, the Japanese marque is famend for pushing boundaries, utilizing its engineering prowess to supply all method of mobility options that go manner past the normal automobile.

Simply look its current Motocompacto for instance. What different producer would design, produce and promote a small electrical scooter that transforms into a transportable briefcase?

However Honda, like a lot of its Japanese car-making rivals, has been off the boil of late, lagging behind Korean, European and Chinese language carmakers in maintaining with the rampant march of electrification.

Simply check out its present line-up: there’s the once-innovative Honda e, which now can’t compete on vary and efficiency, in addition to the more moderen e:Ny1, each of which aren’t out there within the US. 

The upcoming Prologue SUV seems to be set to be its first actual try at an electrical automobile for the plenty, however then that’s just for the North American marketplace for now.

Though particulars are scant, CES 2024 might show an enormous turning level for Honda, which lately introduced it had scrapped plans to work alongside GM to provide small, reasonably priced EVs – a promote it historically excels in. 

Removed from giving up on EVs, this announcement seems to be to substantiate that Honda will go it alone – and if historical past is something to go by, do not be shocked if it unleashes a swathe of electrical automobiles, bikes, scooters, bicycles and ride-on lawnmowers in a single fell swoop. As a result of when Honda modifications course, it commits.

You may also like

• Gran Turismo followers rejoice! Honda resurrects the true Prelude as an idea EV
• The brand new Honda Prologue EV arrives subsequent 12 months – listed here are 5 issues it’s essential know
• Honda’s first eMTB has a transportable charging station for extra enjoyable on the paths