Another manufacturer confirmed these past few days their commitment into developing an electric vehicle, as Japanese manufacturer Honda, through one of its spokesmen, said the company is currently developing an EV, which may be launched in the US by the end of 2015.
Inspired by both the US mileage regulations and the clear direction in which the automotive industry is heading, Honda is working on the project, the spokesman told Autonews, but it hasn't decided yet when to publicly unveil the car. The spokesman also did not deny reports surfaced in the Nikkei business daily, which said Honda will unveil the EV at the Tokyo Motor Show this October, but limited himself at saying "no comment".
Of course, little, if not nothing is known about the Honda EV. According to some sources, the vehicle will be the size of a minicar.
Whereas the progression Honda plans to make from the hybrid Insight to the future EV is understandable, given the current trends in the industry, the Japanese may also be forced to do so due to yet another reason.
Nissan already hinted, prior to the unveiling of the electric Leaf, that it plans to enter the hybrid segment as well, a move which will add to the competition Honda is getting from Toyota. So Honda's entrance into the EV segment, even with a small EV, is the logical step to take.
Bringing the car in the US in the nick of time will also help Honda meet the US new national tailpipe emissions standards and mileage requirements. Although the Insight can cope with the new regulations, adding an EV to the fleet will help Honda comply with a fleet-wide average of 35.5 miles per gallon (6.6l/100 km) by no later than 2016.
Inspired by both the US mileage regulations and the clear direction in which the automotive industry is heading, Honda is working on the project, the spokesman told Autonews, but it hasn't decided yet when to publicly unveil the car. The spokesman also did not deny reports surfaced in the Nikkei business daily, which said Honda will unveil the EV at the Tokyo Motor Show this October, but limited himself at saying "no comment".
Of course, little, if not nothing is known about the Honda EV. According to some sources, the vehicle will be the size of a minicar.
Whereas the progression Honda plans to make from the hybrid Insight to the future EV is understandable, given the current trends in the industry, the Japanese may also be forced to do so due to yet another reason.
Nissan already hinted, prior to the unveiling of the electric Leaf, that it plans to enter the hybrid segment as well, a move which will add to the competition Honda is getting from Toyota. So Honda's entrance into the EV segment, even with a small EV, is the logical step to take.
Bringing the car in the US in the nick of time will also help Honda meet the US new national tailpipe emissions standards and mileage requirements. Although the Insight can cope with the new regulations, adding an EV to the fleet will help Honda comply with a fleet-wide average of 35.5 miles per gallon (6.6l/100 km) by no later than 2016.