The automotive industry has been going through a big movement recently. A majority of the industry has been looking for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, and they are successful to a great extent.
Although Honda was lacking a bit, the Japanese automotive industry started to get along with the invention of EVs. They introduced their first commercial electric SUV – the Honda Prologue. The company aims to replace all the ICE models with electric vehicles by 2040.
That’s a long-term plan! By 2026, Honda aims to deliver two significant strides in the electric vehicle market. They are giving us two distinct choices – Elevate EVs and Hybrid EVs.
We all know about EVs, right? But what’s the difference between an Elevate EV and a Hybrid EV? That we are yet to find out.
Today, our article is about to take you on a long tour of details between the two technologies. We will compare the features, benefits, and overall blow both EVs will deliver to the automotive industry.
Honda Elevate EVs
A brief from the Event:
Honda Elevate will go full electric by 2026, and four more SUVs will follow the lineup by 2030.
Honda has recently introduced the Elevate mid-size SUVs in India. In this event, they also revealed their plans to launch an all-electric variant of the recently launched Elevate mid-size SUV by 2026.
During the ceremony, they did reveal the pricing of the latest launched Elevate SUV. They also confirmed some crucial updates on the powertrain options for the new compact Elevate SUV.
However, the company didn’t reveal much about the features and functionalities of the electric Elevate SUVs. We guess we have to wait another 3 more years to find out.
Honda’s Elevate EVs are the real proof of Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility. It’s a leap forward to innovation. We already know Honda has confirmed the launch of Elevate SUVs in the festive season. A brief discussion on the electric elevate from us would be,
The Elevates are fully electric. Unlike the hybrids, the models highly rely on electric power to drive the wheels. Honda plans to deliver a versatile range of compact cars to SUVs in this lineup by 2026. The goal is to meet different consumer tastes and preferences.
Possible features of the Elevate EVs are,
Honda Elevate is available both in India and Japan. The new plan confirms that Honda Elevate will get a EV variant by 2026, instead of a hybrid variant.
Although there’s not much information around to elaborate on the features, some enthusiasts had the opportunity to observe the modules. Here are some sneak peeks.
1) Zero Emissions
The Honda Elevate EVs are about to produce zero tailpipe emissions. It’s going to be another environmentally friendly choice. The high zero emission rate aligns with Honda’s ultimate goal to reduce the carbon footprint and make the world a better place.
2) Extended Range
Honda Elevate will in-house the modern battery technology. We believe it’s going to be Honda’s lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV). Earlier this year, Honda established a joint venture with LG Energy Solution to produce in-house Li-Ion batteries.
It will highly benefit the upcoming Elevate variant and offer an extended driving range. By 2026, we can expect improved battery efficiency and long journeys on a single charge.
3) Fast Charging Capability
EVgo Inc. and Honda partnered on September 2023, to deliver fast charging networks for EVs. FYI, EVgo Inc. is one of the largest public fast-charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs).
Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo said,
“We’re thrilled to welcome drivers of Honda and Acura EV models to the EVgo network with a streamlined customer experience through EVgo Inside. Access to convenient and reliable fast charging is key to accelerating the mass adoption of electric transportation.”
Honda is determined to address this common yet major concern with EVs – charging time. They are about to invest a significant amount of R&D into the fast-charging technology. We believe the Elevate EV variant will be able to recharge fast and offer better convenience for us, on the go.
4) Cutting-Edge Connectivity:
Honda is going to introduce top-notch tech gears in the upcoming EVs. Take a read of our previous articles, and you will know how they are planning to integrate the Level 3 ADAS tech with all other wireless technology.
We believe the Elevate EV is going to follow the same improvements and even better. The 2026 Elevate EV will feature some sharp-cut connectivity options.
The integration option will be seamless and we can integrate our EV with other office applications QUICK! Connectivity is quick and productive, we can experience it while on the move.
So far, these are the upcoming features of the Honda Elevate EV. If you are thinking should you buy a pure EV or a hybrid, which one should be the best catch for you? Well, we have the answer for you too.
Take a look below to understand the Hybrid EVs better, and figure out which one would be perfect for you.
Honda Hybrid EVs
And if you are planning to start with something conventional, we bet the hybrid EVs would be a good choice. The hybrid EVs offer the benefits of traditional internal combustion engines but with more efficiency. Thanks to the electric power.
Plus, unlike the pure EVs, you don’t need to plug it into a charge. The Honda hybrids use both, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to drive the wheels. It’s the best versatile transitional solution with better fuel efficiency.
Honda hybrids will save you some time. Furthermore, hybrids are also efficient in saving money in the long run. If you don’t want to settle with the full EVs yet, the upcoming hybrids can be the ideal transitional solution for you.
Significant features of the Honda Hybrids are,
1) Dual Power Sources:
Hybrid EVs leverage both gasoline engines and electric motors, and that’s the biggest catch of it. Instead of relying on a torque converter, mechanical pulley, or belt, the two-motor hybrid system of Honda drives and generates power through the interaction of the two motors.
It has an electric generator motor that charges the battery and an electric propulsion engine that drives the front wheels. The dual power source allows more room for fuel efficiency, especially when you are in stop-and-go city driving conditions.
2) Regenerative Braking:
Honda hybrids are focused on delivering maximum energy efficiency. To do this, the hybrids employ regenerative braking systems. It’s an in-built function of the hybrid car’s operation.
The great part is! You only have to press the brake as normal, the hybrid car will do the rest. It’s the ultimate fun of driving a hybrid. Heat is generated right after you press the brake.
When you press the brake, the electric motor will instantly act as a generator and transform kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the hybrid Honda battery.
3) Low Emissions:
Honda hybrids are not entirely emission-free like the EVs. However, it’s comparatively lower than the ICE vehicles. Most hybrids offer less than 132 g/km. Hybrids still produce fossil fuel emissions.
In short, Honda hybrids have significantly lower tailpipe emissions than conventional combustion engines. Thus, we believe, the hybrids can be green alternatives for people yet not ready to switch to pure electric vehicles.
4) Smart Energy Management:
A revolutionary term of the 21st century is the Smart Energy Management System (SEM). It improves the efficiency of current electrical infrastructure and prevents high costs linked with capacity increases.
Honda Hybrid EVs may not entirely catch up with the smart energy management system of EVs. However, it will optimize the use of electric power during low-speed driving and seamlessly transition to gasoline power when needed.
We believe we are going to enjoy an efficient and balanced driving experience.
Electric Elevate or Honda Hybrid: What Should I Settle for?
To answer this question, first, we must learn the pros and cons of the two distinct models – Electric Elevate and Honda Hybrids.
Since the company hasn’t disclosed too much information about the electric Elevate, we will refer to the benefits of Honda EVs as a reference. As the Elevate is going to be an electric vehicle, it will include all the benefits of an electric vehicle.
Honda Electric: Pros
- No need to change gas often.
- Maintenance cost is low.
- Zero tailpipe emissions.
- More driving range.
- Fast-charging capability.
- Deep cutting connectivity.
Honda Hybrid: Pros
- Better fuel efficiency.
- Dual power sources for more versatility.
- Regenerative braking systems optimize energy use.
- Reduced tailpipe emissions.
- Balanced use of electric and mechanical power.
If budget is not an issue for you, we would suggest to settle for the electric vehicles. Think of the harmless impact EVs are going to have on our environment.
Given the amount of global warming we are currently going through, a small change in our daily usage can significantly contribute to the welfare of our environment.
However, if you still want to drive the old way, the hybrids would fit the options as they are more conventional, and offer the benefits of both electric and gasoline engine.
Plus, they have comparatively less impact on nature than total ICE vehicles.
Overview
Honda announcing the launch of Elevate EVs is just a part of their bigger goal to transform all ICE vehicles to EVs by 2040.
Other automobile manufacturers such as Tesla, and Volkswagen have already started the venture of electric vehicles. Although Honda is lagging behind, we believe it’s not too far away to deliver some top-notch and efficient EVs in the following years.
The company focused too hard on R&D and now, we believe it’s time to pay back!
Let us know in the comment section what do you think of the upcoming Honda Elevate EV. And, what’s your thought on the Honda hybrids?
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