Honda plans to launch a second full-electric car in Europe by 2022 to follow its retro-styled Honda e.
The automaker will begin deliveries of the Honda e in the summer. It expects to sell about 10,000 units annually in Europe.
The second EV will be one of four new electrified cars Honda will launch between 2021 and 2022, Honda’s Europe boss, Tom Gardner, told reporters on Tuesday without giving any more details.
Honda’s new hybrids will include a full hybrid version of the next-generation Civic compact car, which is due in 2021. The company is also assessing the possibility of giving the Civic a plug-in hybrid version.
The HR-V small SUV is expected to get a full-hybrid version.
Honda could import to Europe one of its a range of hybrid models in Japan that include the Accord midsize sedan and Clarity midsize plug-in hybrid.
Like other automakers, Honda is adding battery-powered cars and gasoline-electric hybrids to help the company meet tougher European Union CO2 emissions reduction targets.
“The regulatory agenda in Europe is accelerating the move to low- and zero-emission technologies faster than anywhere in the world,” Gardner said.
Honda will this summer begin sales of a new Jazz small car that will be available as a hybrid only. The Jazz will also have a version called Crosstar that has been given SUV styling with roof rails, a different grille than the Jazz and side sills.