So the plan involves developing a mobile energy pack (a swappable battery) for use by electric motorcycles and ‘mini-EVs’ – likely four-wheelers or vehicles subject to Japan’s kei car regulations.
“We aim to be CO2 neutral as a company by 2050, so we will introduce CO2 neutral technology not only in cars, but also in motorcycles and energy products,” says Mibe.
As is often the case, China is a different story: Honda aims to become EV-only there by 2035, and will launch 10 electric vehicles by 2027 – most tailored for that country.
The brand remains strong in its home country of Japan and the US, so in addition to electrification, the big challenge in the coming years will be to restore its position in the European market.
In recent years, Honda has struggled with currency fluctuations (a key factor in the company’s decisions to close its European factories in Swindon and Turkey), with a lineup focused on the US and Japan, and with the shift to the other side of the market. from diesel.
But despite no longer having a manufacturing presence here, Mibe insists that “car culture is mainstream in Europe, and there will be no withdrawal from sales”.
The company insists that the 0 Series has been developed with Europe in mind, and not just in terms of the powertrain.
Since the company doesn’t plan to offer all seven planned cars in every market, that could create room for more European-flavored machines.
“We want to release a car that can compete in Europe,” says Mibe. “Although we have stopped production in Europe due to changes in the market, I think there remain opportunities there. We aim to shine again in Europe in the future.”
Regardless of its experience, Honda is catching up in the EV world and now faces much stiffer and more varied competition than when it first shook up the market in the 1980s.
So can the company reassert itself? It will certainly be tough, but not entirely an impossible dream.
After all, this is a company that has gone from not making cars to winning the F1 Grand Prix in just two years, and which has a history of developing truly groundbreaking game-changers.
Perhaps Honda is at its best when innovation is forced upon it.