Honda has officially unveiled its next-generation hybrid vehicle technologies, showcasing advancements that span small, mid-size, and large hybrid platforms. Several of these innovations are confirmed to be India-bound, strengthening Honda’s commitment to electrified mobility in one of its most important markets.
Small Hybrid Platform: For the Next-Gen Honda City
The small hybrid system features an upgraded version of the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine currently used in the Honda City e:HEV sold in India. This improved unit offers enhanced fuel efficiency and smoother integration between the petrol engine and electric motor.
Honda has confirmed that this new hybrid powertrain will debut in the next-generation Honda City, which is expected to launch in India soon. While there have been speculations about this hybrid setup being offered in the Honda Elevate, the company has yet to make an official statement regarding that possibility.
Mid-Size Hybrid Platform: Heading to the New Honda CR-V
The mid-size hybrid system represents Honda’s most significant leap in electrified performance for India. This new platform combines a lighter, stiffer chassis—around 90kg lighter than before—with an upgraded powertrain to deliver superior handling, efficiency, and ride comfort.
At its core is an evolved two-motor hybrid system, built around a newly developed 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder direct-injection engine. It’s paired with a compact, high-output electric drive motor and a larger lithium-ion battery pack. The result, according to Honda, is:
- Improved low-end torque
- More linear acceleration
- Smoother transition between EV and engine drive modes
This advanced hybrid setup will power the new-generation Honda CR-V, one of the seven SUVs Honda plans to introduce in India before 2030.
Large Hybrid Platform: For Global Markets
Honda also showcased a large-sized hybrid system designed primarily for SUVs and premium vehicles targeting North American and other global markets. This setup is centered around a V6 petrol engine and upgraded electric components, offering significantly higher performance.
Set to debut globally in 2027, Honda claims this system will deliver over 30% better fuel efficiency and 10% quicker acceleration compared to current petrol-only models. However, this large-hybrid configuration will not be offered in India.
Honda’s Hybrid Roadmap for India
With the introduction of these advanced hybrid systems, Honda aims to expand its hybrid lineup in India beyond the City e:HEV. The strategy aligns with the company’s vision to electrify its entire lineup in phases, blending efficiency, performance, and practicality until fully electric vehicles become mainstream in the country.
The next-generation Honda City and CR-V Hybrid are expected to be the first models to benefit from these technologies, reinforcing Honda’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility for Indian consumers.