Honda unveils electric concepts for China, launches hybrid HR-V for Europe

Honda's push towards a zero-emissions future has been shown off in China, as the Japanese manufacturer looks to target the world's most populous country with its electric vehicles.

Unveiling five new EVs, Honda said it would be solely focusing on introducing electrified models such as hybrids and fully-electric vehicles from 2030, before moving to an electric-only model range by 2040.

Kicking off with the new e:N Series, two of the five models shown off will be entering production next year – the e:NS1 and e:NP1, set to be manufactured in joint ventures with GAC and Dongfeng respectively and based off the looks of Honda's new HR-V.

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Bolstering its EV line-up will be three concepts, each representing a different segment of the market – the e:N SUV for families, the e:N Coupe as a crossover-style two-door and the e:N GT, a four-door which doesn't quite resemble any of Honda's current model range.

The manufacturer believes it will introduce the three concepts in production form within the next five years, a part of its plan to bring a further five electrified models to the Chinese market in the same period.

While no details have been provided regarding the e:N range's powertrains, it's believed the models will be based on a shared platform, potentially being sold at dedicated e:N dealerships in certain regions.

There is currently no indication whether any of these vehicles will be brought to Australia, as Honda's recent move to an agency-based model has seen its yearly sales drop by 38.5 per cent compared to the end of September 2020, the largest percentage decrease of any active manufacturer.

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Meanwhile in Europe, Honda has launched its new HR-V hybrid, powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine which is coupled to an electric motor, producing 96kW of power and 253Nm of torque with a combined fuel economy of 5.4L/100km.

The hybrid powertrain will underpin the 11th generation Honda Civic, set to launch locally in the final quarter of 2021 before the HR-V arrives in the first half of next year.

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