Global mobility company Honda was known in its early years as the world’s most prolific builder of motorcycles, before embarking on making 4-wheeled vehicles in the 1960s. Since then, Honda has also been well known for its environmental and clean emissions efforts, as well as its being a risk-taker in the realm of new-energy vehicles (NEVs). Remember the 2002 FCX FCEV and the 2009 CR-Z hybrid sports coupe, when it wasn’t so fashionable to be a hybrid then?
On Sept. 18 at the Shangri-La at The Fort in Taguig City, Honda took three bold steps toward its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality when the brand unveiled its 2-wheeled battery electric vehicle the EM1 e:, its new Honda Civic RS e:HEV, and a new lineup of fully electric power tools.
Under the umbrella of a new tagline to its global brand slogan, “The Power of Dreams—How We Move You,” Honda asserts that it intensifies its mission of offering people the joy and freedom of mobility from now into the far future.
Start of HEV lineup expansion
Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) unveiled its latest electrified model, the New Honda Civic RS e:HEV, expanding HCPI’s hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) lineup. This will be introduced to the general public at the Philippine International Motor Show from Oct 24 to 27 at the World Trade Center Manila.
Apart from its HEV technology, the new Civic RS e:HEV has the latest generation of Honda Connect, which now allows owners more interaction with their vehicles via a smartphone app. Google Automotive Services also allow more personalization, and lets owners add more useful applications. The Honda Sensing is likewise integrated, under which is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system and lane keep assist—important features that will help Honda achieve its worldwide goal of zero fatalities in traffic collisions involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles by 2050.
“The New Honda Civic RS e:HEV blends performance and efficiency with features that reinforces Honda in the field of leading-edge technologies in connectivity and safety, with less environmental impact,” said Rie Miyake, HCPI president.
Battery-powered handheld products
Honda revealed its lineup of power tools with its new range of direct-current handheld (DCHH) battery-powered products such as the leaf blower, hedge trimmer, lawn trimmer, and chainsaw—all doing away with the heavy, cumbersome, and noisy gasoline motor.
The electric motorcycle EM1 e:
Lastly, Honda Philippines Inc unveiled its first 2-wheeled Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The All New EM1 e: powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: which consists of what Honda claims as “high-quality” lithium-ion battery and an off-board home charger, all safe and up to international (UN R136) standard. The EM1 e: is fitted with the Honda Brushless Electric Motor, front disc brake, and twin suspension for a more comfortable ride and enhanced modulation.
Standard and economy mode allows for up to 48 km of range, while charging takes 6 hours (full charge), or as quickly as 2.7 hours (from 25 to 75% charge).
The EMI e: will be available in Honda flagship shops in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao and in other flagship shops nationwide.
“All these new products are just the beginning of Honda’s journey to giving the community a safer, greener and sustainable future. Driven by a clear vision, we seek to achieve carbon neutrality across our entire product lineup and corporate activities by 2050. We are also striving for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050.” said Toshio Kuwahara, vice president, head of regional operations (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co Ltd, and president and CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co Ltd.
(2nd from left) HCPI SVP Atty.Louie Soriano, HCPI president Rie Miyake (3rd from left), Kuwahara (4th from left), HPI president Sayaka Arai (2nd from right), and Jomel Jerezo, HPI VP for sales and marketing division (right)