Honda announced bold changes in its offerings and a move into electrified vehicles.
The Japanese manufacturer intends to introduce a whole line-up of electrified cars.
In short, in 2016 Honda will introduce its next-generation fuel cell vehicle, which will be followed by an all-new battery electric model and an all-new plug-in hybrid model.
Those new FCV, BEV and PHEV will be dedicated models, not electrified versions of conventional cars like the Fit EV nor the now-discontinued Accord Plug-In Hybrid.
There is no exact timeframe for the BEV and PHEV, but we should expect them both by 2016 or 2017.
Honda is preparing a major switch from some types of alternative drivetrains to others. Let’s run this down now.
First is abandonment of CNG after 15 years! This is move that we fear will someday be done with hydrogen fuel cell cars after all the dollars will be spent on developing them and setting up infrastructure.
Secondly, Honda discontinues the hybrid Civic (sales this year through the end of May fell 10% compared to 2014).
Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid will gone. Well, Honda for sure can’t afford to keep a model with sales amounting to just 55 in 5 months like this year (nearly three times less than a year ago).
Earlier, Honda ended its pilot project with the all-electric Fit EV (lease only deals still continue).