So its plan involves developing a mobile power pack (a swappable battery) for use by electric motorbikes and ‘mini-EVs’ – likely to mean quadricycles or vehicles that fall under Japan’s kei car rules.
“We are aiming to be carbon-neutral as a company by 2050, so we will introduce carbon-neutral technology not only to cars but also motorcycles and power products,” says Mibe.
As is often the case, China is a different story: Honda is aiming to become EV-only there by 2035, and will launch 10 EVs – mostly bespoke to that country – by 2027.
The brand remains strong in its homeland of Japan and the US, so beyond electrification its big challenge in the coming years will be trying to restore its footing in the European market.
In recent years Honda has struggled with exchange rate fluctuations (a key factor in the firm’s decisions to shutter its European factories in Swindon and Turkey), a line-up focused on the US and Japan, and being caught flat-footed by the shift away from diesel.
But despite no longer having a manufacturing presence here, Mibe insists that “car culture is mainstream in Europe, and there will be no withdrawal from sales”.
The firm insists the 0 Series has been developed with an eye on Europe, and not just in terms of powertrain.
With the company not intending to offer all seven planned cars in each market, that could create room for more European-flavoured machinery.
“We want to release a car that can compete in Europe,” says Mibe. “Although we ceased production in Europe due to changes in the market, I believe there will continue to be opportunities there. We aim to shine in Europe again in the future.”
Regardless of its experience, Honda is playing catch-up in the EV world, and now faces far stiffer and more varied competition than when it first shook up the market in the 1980s.
So can the firm reassert itself? It will certainly be tough – but not quite an impossible dream.
This is a company, after all, that went from not making cars to winning F1 grands prix in just two years, and has a history of developing truly pioneering game-changers.
Perhaps Honda is at its best when innovation is forced upon it.
