When to expect Honda's first electric vehicles in Australia

Honda's first electric vehicles to arrive in Australia could arrive here sooner than expected, with a timeline within the next three years in play.

Reports from a roundtable with Honda Australia boss Carolyn McMahon in March 2023 suggested the brand would not launch an electric vehicle locally in the next five years, putting 2028 as the year it could be expected. the first model.

However, speaking last week at the launch of the new Deal, Ms McMahon set out to correct the record, claiming that the widely circulated 2028 figure was incorrect, but without specifying a new date.

“I think this time last year we talked about our medium-term plan, some pegged it at 2028. [for the first EV’s launch]”Ms. McMahon told the media present.

“It will be before that. I can't tell you exactly right now because we're still firming it up, but deep down we're working very hard on Honda's move to introduce electric batteries. [vehicles] in the Australian market.

While Honda now offers a hybrid variant of every model in its local range, it has never sold an electric vehicle in Australia, although gray market imports of the now-defunct Honda e city car have been through third-party companies.

Honda currently produces a limited selection of electric vehicles in China, Europe, Thailand and, in partnership with General Motors, Mexico.

It recently canceled the Europe-focused show. e hatchback but it began exporting its Chinese e:Ny1 to Europe. The small crossover is also manufactured in Thailand.

The automaker plans to launch a total of 30 electric vehicles globally by 2030, with more models coming from Japan and other countries.

Honda also announced it will invest C$15 billion (A$16.8 billion) along with an as-yet-unnamed joint venture partner to establish an electric vehicle assembly and battery plant in Ontario, Canada, for the North American market.

Asked if any of these regions had been shortlisted or ruled out as a source of EVs bound for Australia, Ms McMahon said supply will be based on which production line can comply with local regulations.

“We will take advantage of everything we can to meet the compliance requirements of this market and we can meet most consumer requirements in the market,” Ms McMahon said.

“At the moment we are not ruling anything out, so unfortunately I cannot comment on specific details today.”

Of the nine Japanese carmakers operating in Australia, five sell electric vehicles: Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru. Suzuki, Isuzu Ute, Mitsubishi and Honda do not currently offer battery electric vehicles to local buyers.

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