Honda goes small with first all-electric car

[Steve williams]

I guess Honda "IS" seeing the light and released an all electric vehicle. When this was discussed here last year I was getting the impression that Honda won't be entering the EV arena any time soon

Good to see that finally Honda recognizes that it is the future, now


UTSUNOMIYA, Japan (Reuters) - As many automakers bet on sedans and SUVs in the switch to electric vehicles (EV), Japan’s Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T) has decided smaller is better for its first-ever all-battery car.

The Honda e, released in Europe earlier this month, is a compact model meant solely for city driving. That contrasts with Tesla Inc (TSLA.O), whose Model 3 sedan dominates the battery EV market, and others such as Audi AG (NSUG.DE) and Hyundai Motor Co (TSLA.O) that have focused on SUVs with long driving ranges.

High battery costs have kept EVs at the premium end of the car market, and many automakers are developing bigger, all-purpose models, some of which can drive as far as 570 kilometres on a single charge.

The Honda e, however, has a battery capacity roughly half that of the Model 3, driving just 280 kilometres per charge.

 

[Mikem53]

I guess they are giving up on their hydrogen fuel cell technology, which may explain their late start into electrics..

 

[RBFC]

I drive a BMW i3, full electric vehicle. With solar on the house, I commute to work for pennies. The i3 is faster than most cars on the road to 60mph, and is a pleasure to drive. With Honda and other makers moving forward with all-electric cars, it can only be good as the market is pushed to improve the technology.

 

[Mikem53]

I drive a BMW i3, full electric vehicle. With solar on the house, I commute to work for pennies. The i3 is faster than most cars on the road to 60mph, and is a pleasure to drive. With Honda and other makers moving forward with all-electric cars, it can only be good as the market is pushed to improve the technology.

I drove one for a few weeks a couple years ago . It was a fun ride. the regenerative braking was really effective, hardly used the brakes.. Nice ride.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

FYI; Honda continues to have the fuel cell Honda Clarity going forward. it is dropping the all-electric Clarity as it has other hybrid and all electric product in the pipeline.

fuel cell technology is limited by delivery systems. so it's an open question on that.

in 2023 or 2024 Honda will have products using the jointly developed with GM all electric drive train. and every product line-up of Honda will have hybrid variants. so while Honda is firmly committed to electrification, it's keeping it's options open.

i think in 5 to 10 years battery disposal will rear it's ugly head relative to all electrics. and rare earth components of all electrics. push might come to shove. then we will be left seriously considering fuel cell tech. with unlimited sources for fuel and simpler tech to implement. serious development funding has not yet reached fuel cell, it has a possibly higher upside than electrics (flux capacitor?). but only time will tell how it plays out.

 

[SuperDave]

FYI; Honda continues to have the fuel cell Honda Clarity going forward. it is dropping the all-electric Clarity as it has other hybrid and all electric product in the pipeline.

fuel cell technology is limited by delivery systems. so it's an open question on that.

in 2023 or 2024 Honda will have products using the jointly developed with GM all electric drive train. and every product line up of Honda with have hybrid variants.

i think in 5 to 10 years battery disposal will rear it's ugly head relative to all electrics. and rare earth components of all electrics. push might come to shove. then we will be left seriously considering fuel cell tech. with unlimited sources for fuel and simpler tech to implement. serious development funding has not yet reached fuel cell, it has a possibly higher upside than electrics (flux capacitor?). but only time will tell how it plays out.

I agree, Mazda has continued to develop more fuel efficient vehicles using Skyactiv technology and recently built a plant with Toyota. It will be interesting to see how their shared tech develops for both brands.