HONDA: AN AFFORDABLE SMALL EVE BY 2030?

By Anne Bourgoin

That’s what Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe hinted at the latest CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which showcases the latest in technology. At the moment, there is no electric vehicle to match the Honda Civic. This would probably require a technological breakthrough to significantly reduce battery costs. For Honda to create a $30,000 car, solid-state batteries would have to be considered. They would cost less, provide greater range and simplify the cooling system.

“A revolutionary battery technology for the Honda Civic EV? The benefits would be enormous. For small cars, I think we need a revolutionary technology (. . .); otherwise it will be difficult,” he pointed out. The company is working on solid-state battery technology, which could enable the realization of an “affordable electric vehicle in the late 2020s,” the CEO concluded.