Honda To Launch Dedicated Hybrid In 2018 As Part Of Electrification Push

The new hybrid model in 2018 is a part of Honda's plan to push towards electric power. The company also announced that more than half of its upcoming models in the next two years will be equipped with an electric powertrain or hybrid technology.

At the end of next year, the firm will launch its all-electric and plug-in hybrid version of the Clarity. The main goal of Honda is to have two-thirds of its sales be pure electrics, hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The current powertrain used in the Accord Hybrid features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor, combined producing 209bhp. The next vehicle to get the hybrid technology will be the Honda CR-V.

Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co Ltd, said, "Half of the all-new models Honda will launch in the United States in the coming two years will be electrified vehicles. In the long term, electrified vehicles are key to the future of carbon-free mobility."

At the Detroit Motor Show, Honda also unveiled its new-gen 2018 Odyssey minivan. The model features a 10-speed gearbox and is manufactured for the U.S. market. The vehicle is equipped with a 3.5-litre, direct-injected i-VTEC engine.