Details Emerge on New Honda Hybrid

Scheduled for an international debut next year, details about Honda’s yet to be named “affordable hybrid” are starting to trickle in. This new model will dispel the myth that Honda is shying away from hybrid power. There’s reason for the confusion, however, as Honda only offers one hybrid in its lineup now, down from the previous count of three. Adding to the speculation has been a recent focus on diesel power within the brand. Just the same, Honda, an HEV innovator with its unique two-seat Insight, hasn’t given up on hybrids by a long shot.

According to an interview with Honda’s President, Takeo Fukui stated that the upcoming car would be an international product, a sort of world hybrid car like Toyota’s Prius and its own Civic. The car would feature a powertrain derived from the Civic Hybrid, but more efficient in terms of space thanks to new technologies. In terms of styling, he hinted at something like the Civic or FCX fuel cell car, or in other words a futuristic look, and it will be priced to be the cheapest hybrid on sale in the US.

What the car won’t have is lithium-ion batteries. Although many manufacturers are working on getting lithium-ion batteries into production, such as GM and Ford, Honda’s stance on the matter is similar to Toyota, not believing that lithium-ion battery technology is at the stage where it can be used reliably in such a mass produced vehicle. Honda isn’t shunning Li-Ion batteries completely, as they’re used in the aforementioned low-volume FCX fuel cell vehicle.

Between this and the Civic Hybrid, the number of hybrid Hondas on the road should rise to over 200,000 produced per year, helping the brand meet its goal of 10-percent of total vehicles being hybrids.