– Achieving carbon neutrality centered on electrification
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Tokyo, September 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Honda aims to be carbon neutral in all products and corporate activities in which Honda is involved by 2050. Kohei Takeuchi (Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer) Yoshishige Nomura (Managing Director).
Here’s an overview of the briefing:
In anticipation of market expansion, Honda will launch electric motorcycles that meet a wide range of customer needs. By 2025, we will introduce more than 10 models of electric motorcycles, including commuter models and fun models, and achieve annual sales of 1 million and 3.5 million electric motorcycles (approximately 15% of total sales) within five years. Aim. ) as of 2030.
1. Efforts to make motorcycle products carbon-neutral
In order to meet the various uses and needs of customers around the world, Honda offers a wide range of products, from small commuter vehicles to models for large fans, and is used globally in both emerging and developed countries. Especially in emerging countries, demand for motorcycles, especially commuter models, is high as a lifeline for people’s lives. Demand for electric models also depends heavily on government incentives, regulations, and the availability of charging infrastructure in the respective markets.
In light of these circumstances, Honda will accelerate the electrification of motorcycles as a top priority in its environmental strategy for the motorcycle business, while continuing to promote ICE, with the aim of making all motorcycle products carbon neutral by the 2040s. Honda will continue to lead the industry at the forefront of environmental initiatives.
<Ongoing initiative to advance ICE＞
Honda is continuing its efforts to reduce CO emissions in order to achieve carbon neutrality while responding to a wide range of customer needs and the usage environment unique to motorcycles.2 While reducing emissions from ICE models, we are also developing models that are compatible with carbon-neutral fuels such as gasoline-ethanol blends. More specifically: Brazil Flex fuel (E100)*1 A two-wheeler model is already on the market, but Honda wants a flex-fuel model. India, is one of the major motorcycle markets as well.Plans to introduce flex fuel (E20) first *1 Models starting in 2023, and flex-fuel (E100) models in 2025.
*1 Gasoline/ethanol mixed fuel. Various blend ratios are available from 100% gasoline to 100% ethanol. E100 is 100% ethanol, E20 is 20% ethanol.
2. Efforts toward electrification
<Introducing an electric motorcycle model that meets a wide range of customer needs＞
In anticipation of market expansion, Honda will launch electric motorcycles that meet a wide range of customer needs. By 2025, we will introduce more than 10 models of electric motorcycles, including commuter models and fun models, and achieve annual sales of 1 million and 3.5 million electric motorcycles (approximately 15% of total sales) within five years. Aim. ) as of 2030.
Details of the product launch plan are as follows:
(1) Commuter EV
In recent years, as companies have become more environmentally conscious, the demand for commercial electric motorcycles has increased. In order to meet this demand, Honda has provided models in the Honda e:Business Bike series, accelerating the global expansion of electric motorcycles for business use. In addition to providing Honda e:Business Bike series models to Japan Post and Vietnam Post Co., Ltd.*2 For postal items, Honda is currently conducting a trial run jointly with Thailand Post Company Limited.*3to start production and sales of Benly e: Thailand Until the end of this month. These Honda e: Business Bike series models are equipped with replaceable Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) batteries. Efforts to popularize electric motorcycles are necessary.
From 2024 to 2025, Honda plans to launch two commuter EV models for individuals. Asia, Europe When JapanHonda is considering future personal use models, such as models equipped with power sources other than replaceable batteries, in anticipation of future market environments, applications, and technological advances.
(2) Commuter EM※Four / EB※Five
Currently, EM and EB account for more than 90% of the global sales of electric motorcycles (approximately 50 million units) for the entire industry.of ChinaThe world’s largest electric two-wheeler market, EM/EB, is widely adopted as a convenient form of everyday transportation, and Honda leverages its local supplier infrastructure and development/manufacturing operations to offer these products. I’ve been With demand for EM/EB expected to grow globally, Honda plans to introduce a total of five models between now and 2024, compact and affordable EM and EB models. Asia, Europe When JapanIn addition to China.
(3) FUNEV
In addition to commuter EVs, Honda is actively developing electrified models in the “FUN” category. Honda plans to launch a total of three large FUN EV models based on the FUN EV platform currently under development. JapanUSA and Europe Also, in order to convey the fun of riding to the next generation, we will introduce a Kids Fun EV model.
*2 Vietnam Post
*3 Thailand postal service
*4 Electric moped category. Maximum speed: 25km/h – 50km/h
*5 A category of electric bicycles that does not include electrically assisted bicycles. Maximum speed: up to 25km/h.
<Highly efficient “manufacturing” that enables the lineup of electric models and sales expansion＞
Based on the competitive “manufacturing” know-how that Honda has accumulated through the development and application of platforms for ICE-equipped models, Honda will build on the three core components of an electric vehicle: the battery, the PCU, and the motor – together with the motorcycle itself. Honda will continue to provide the joy of mobility with its affordable electric motorcycles, responding to customer needs with highly efficient manufacturing.
Regarding the battery, which is a core component of electric vehicles, Honda aims to equip electric motorcycles with all-solid-state batteries that are being developed by actively utilizing its own resources.
3. Smoother and smarter use of electric motorcycles
<Efforts to enhance charging infrastructure and standardize batteries＞
For the popularization of electric motorcycles, it is essential to improve charging infrastructure and standardize battery specifications. Honda is working to popularize battery sharing as part of its charging infrastructure development.
(1) Popularization of battery sharing
- Honda establishes joint venture IndonesiaOperates a battery sharing service that utilizes MPP and MPP-equipped motorcycles, one of the major markets for motorcycles. JV currently operates a battery sharing service. Bali.
- of IndiaHonda plans to start a battery sharing service for electric tricycle taxis (commonly known as jinrikisha) within the year. Honda also plans to expand its efforts to popularize battery sharing to other Asian countries.
- of Japanin April of this year, ENEOS Holdings Co., Ltd. and four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers*6 Co-founded Gachaco Co., Ltd., which provides a sharing service for standard replaceable batteries for electric motorcycles and develops infrastructure. The company plans to launch a battery sharing service for motorcycles this fall.
(2) Battery standardization
- of Japanbased on JASO TP21003, four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers agreed on a common specification for replaceable batteries*7 guidelines.
- Honda has joined the battery consortium to standardize replaceable batteries. Europe*8 Cooperation with partner companies India.
*6 Honda, Kawasaki Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
*7 Society of Automotive Engineers JapanOrganization (JASO) Technical Paper TP21003 “Guidelines for replaceable batteries for electric motorcycles”
*8 Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC): Established with the aim of popularizing small electric mobility such as electric motorcycles.
<Strengthen software technology area＞
In order to increase the added value of electric motorcycles, Honda aims to transform from a non-repetitive hardware (product) sales business to a repetitive business model that combines hardware and software.
In the area of software development, Honda cooperates with its software subsidiary, Drivemode.*9, will strengthen the creation of new value for electric motorcycle products in the connected area. Starting with the commuter EV model scheduled to be released in 2024, Honda will propose optimal routes in consideration of cruising distance, notify charging spots, provide safe driving guidance and provide after-sales service support.
Going forward, Honda will continue to aim to establish a connected platform that creates even greater value by connecting not only motorcycles, but also various Honda products, and by connecting across product domains.
*9 Developer of software that transforms UX into mobility. Drivemode builds smarter, safer and connected driving technology for everyone on the road.
source honda
