Honda plans to treble hybrid car sales by 2030 as a ‘bridge’ to the EV era

Starting in 2026, Honda will begin installing new, more fuel-efficient hybrid systems for compact and midsize models, revamping engines, platforms and control technologies, the company said.

Demand for gasoline-electric hybrid cars is growing, especially in Honda’s biggest-selling market, North America, amid a slowdown in the expansion of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles face a tougher environment in the United States as President-elect Donald Trump plans to cut support, Reuters reported.

While Honda maintains its objective of boosting electric vehicle manufacturing to more than 2 million by 2030 and selling entirely electric and fuel cell vehicles by 2040, it plans to transition to hybrids as a near-term priority for the US market, similar to rival Toyota.

Honda is focusing on electric vehicles in China, where foreign brands are competing with domestic electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD, but it will also launch next-generation hybrids, according to the company.

According to Honda, the objective for hybrid car sales in 2030 excludes the Chinese market.