Honda Bets on New Hybrid V6 Instead of Switching to Electric
Honda shared details about the powertrain that will appear under the hood of a large hybrid SUV for the US market. The information was announced during the Honda Automotive Technology Workshop seminar.
What is known
Honda already offers self-charging hybrid powertrains for its compact models. But it is also preparing to extend this approach to larger vehicles, thanks to a new system based on a V6 engine. This unit will work in conjunction with new electric motors (up to three in all-wheel-drive versions) and a battery. Honda states the goal is to achieve high efficiency while maintaining production costs.
According to Honda, the power unit promises more than a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to current mid-size and full-size internal combustion engine models. The advantages will be achieved through improved equipment and a new energy management system capable of selecting the most efficient driving mode based on the situation.
In addition to increased efficiency, the new system is expected to provide faster acceleration dynamics. Honda forecasts a 10% reduction in acceleration time compared to modern non-electrified V6 engine models. The company has not yet disclosed the total power, but it is clear that speed and efficiency are priorities.
The first to receive the new power unit will be a large SUV, scheduled for release in 2027. It is likely to be an updated Honda Pilot. By the end of the decade, other models will appear, including the updated Passport SUV, as well as the next generations of the Ridgeline pickup and Odyssey minivan.
Honda hopes that this new wave of hybrids will become a bridge to popularizing hybrids.
Source: Carscoops
