Honda has taken a major step toward its electrified future by showcasing a range of next-generation hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) technologies at the Honda Automotive Technology Workshop 2025. The event served as a glimpse into the brand’s roadmap for the latter half of this decade, highlighting Honda’s continuous commitment to sustainability, innovation, and driving enjoyment.
Pioneering the Future: Honda’s Vision for Sustainable Mobility
At the workshop, Honda reaffirmed its global goals — achieving carbon neutrality across all products and operations and eliminating traffic-related fatalities involving its vehicles by 2050. The company emphasized that the joy of driving remains central to its philosophy, whether through hybrid-electric or fully electric vehicles.
Honda Super-ONE Prototype: A Compact EV for Everyday Fun
Building upon the excitement surrounding the Honda Super-ONE Prototype, first revealed at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Honda unveiled new details about its upcoming compact EV. Scheduled for launch in Japan in 2026, followed by introductions in Europe and Asia, this model embodies the spirit of Honda’s “e: Dash BOOSTER” concept.
The lightweight EV features a wide-track chassis, centrally mounted thin battery, and low center of gravity, delivering exceptional agility and handling. A new ‘Boost Mode’ mimics the thrill of a traditional 7-speed gearbox with synchronized sound and gearshift sensations — blending EV smoothness with the emotional engagement of a petrol engine.
Next-Generation Mid-Size Hybrid Platform: Lighter, Stronger, Smarter
Honda also unveiled its next-generation mid-size hybrid platform, designed to debut across new HEV models from 2027 onwards. This architecture features higher rigidity, reduced weight, and enhanced modularity for improved driving performance and efficiency.
The new structure is 90 kg lighter than current platforms and offers over 60% component commonality, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs.
Dynamic performance is enhanced through Honda’s Motion Management System and Agile Handling Assist with pitch control, both inspired by robotics and precision engineering — ensuring the “joy of driving” remains integral to every model.
Large Hybrid System: Power and Efficiency for Bigger Vehicles
Recognizing the continued demand for large hybrid vehicles, especially in North America, Honda revealed a next-generation large-size HEV system. This setup pairs a new V6 engine with optimized hybrid drive units and advanced battery packs.
Compared to existing ICE models, Honda targets a 30% boost in fuel efficiency and 10% improvement in acceleration, while enhancing towing capacity for SUVs and crossovers. This large HEV system will serve as a bridge during Honda’s transition to full electrification — part of its multi-pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality.
Blending Technology with Emotion: Honda’s Design Philosophy
Honda reiterated its core “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum (M/M)” philosophy — designing vehicles that maximize human comfort and utility while minimizing mechanical intrusion. Under its “Enjoy the Drive” initiative, Honda aims to develop EVs that retain the emotional and engaging nature of traditional driving, enhanced by intelligent systems and innovative design.
The brand’s upcoming Honda 0 Series Platform and hybrid systems reinforce this approach, ensuring that the thrill of driving — the essence of Honda — continues to thrive in the electric era.