Following the growing trend of automakers pledging to go all electric, Honda is hoping to do the same. Although slightly slower than most.
The Japanese automaker announced Friday it hopes to sell only battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles globally by 2040.
Honda is planning a phased approach to reach this target. By 2030 it wants 40% of their sales to be electrified in their major markets, followed by 80% in 2035, before 100% globally in 2040.
The automaker said the first two “large-sized” SUVs will launch in the 2024 model year in North America. The vehicles will be based on their completely new EV platform, e:Architecture.
One will be badged as a Honda with the other being under its sister brand, Acura. Both will be equipped with GM’s Ultium battery pack.
Honda has attempted EVs in the past. The electric Honda Clarity was discontinued in 2019, and only the hybrid version still remains.
The Honda e was launched last year. Equipped with a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery (28.5 kWh usable), it has a range of 280km on a full charge. The small EV is only available in Japan and Europe.