28 Feb 2011. The ‘Road to Zero Emissions’ illustrates the current technology of hybrids alongside the near-future technology of plug-in vehicles and the ultimate goal of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles like Honda’s FCX Clarity.

When Takanobu Ito, previously head of Honda R & D, became president he lost no time in distancing himself from his predecessor’s attitude to EVs and PHEVs: ‘Mr Fukui did not like batteries, but I am different,’ Ito said. ‘Now, as president, I have accelerated this process.’

Ito said Honda had ‘no future’ without making vehicles that emitted less carbon dioxide. He continued, ‘The next 10 years will be very critical for Honda to survive in the midst of major changes, at a time of increased environmental awareness and changes in the global economic structure. Coming up with good cars quickly and at affordable prices is now crucial to score success in changing times.’

The first fruits of this change in policy – an EV concept and a mid-size PHEV - were first displayed at the LA Auto Show in November 2010 and are now integrated into Honda’s ‘Road to Zero Emissions’ displayed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Honda EV concept

The Honda EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling of Honda's upcoming electric vehicle - the five-seat Fit (Jazz in the UK) EV, which will be introduced in the US and Japan in 2012 (UK shortly afterwards).

It will achieve an estimated 100 mile driving range  which can be maximised via a three-mode electric drive system adapted from the 2011 CR-Z hybrid. The Honda EV Concept will also include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximising battery range.

Honda EV charging point

Alongside the Honda EV Concept will be a prototype Honda charging stand, providing a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid

Honda will also preview a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which illustrates Honda's next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Integrated into a mid-size saloon format, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed.

The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximise driving efficiency: all-electric, petrol-electric and an engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

FCX Clarity

The FCX Clarity will also be displayed alongside the two concept vehicles demonstrating its position as the ultimate solution to zero emissions mobility. It’s already well known in the UK since its participation in the RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge. The world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle has been in field trials in California and Japan since 2008.

The launch of Honda’s EV and PHEV models is timed to meet tough regulations, including a new rule in California that will require 3% of a car maker's sales in the state to be zero-emission vehicles from 2012.

Honda’s new strategy fits the Japanese government’s aims to raise the share of mild and full hybrids from 10% at present to 20-30% by 2020 and to have EVs and PHEVs account for up to 20% of sales by then.