Honda Elevate hybrid unlikely, similar size BEV in the works: Takuya Tsumura
Honda made waves in 2020 when it unveiled the Honda Elevate concept, an electric vehicle with robotic legs that could climb and walk. The futuristic design drew a lot of attention, but it appears an Elevate hybrid is not in Honda's plans. According to comments from Takuya Tsumura, Honda's EV chief engineer, the automaker is instead focusing its efforts on a similarly sized battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Background on Honda Elevate concept
The Honda Elevate was an exciting and ambitious concept car. With adjustable robotic legs, it could navigate rough terrain and climb over obstacles. This made it perfect for emergency response and recreational use. Honda highlighted the Elevate's potential applications for search and rescue missions.
The concept used a modular electric vehicle chassis that allowed robotic legs to be attached. Each leg had five degrees of freedom, enabling a full range of motion. The Elevate could drive normally on four wheels, then deploy its legs to walk or climb when needed.
Visionary and futuristic design
Clearly, the Honda Elevate embodied ambitious, blue sky thinking about future vehicle forms. Its fusion of electric vehicle technology and robotics seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. Honda highlighted the mobility possibilities enabled by its walking EV with CGI videos of the Elevate striding up a hill and climbing over large rocks.
The adjustable ground clearance allowed the legged Honda EV to tackle surfaces too rugged for conventional wheeled vehicles. Honda said the Elevate legs could lift the vehicle body up to several feet in the air, then lower it for normal driving on roads.
Overall, the transformable walking Honda Elevate was a bold reimagining of mobility. The concept EV's adaptable legged design broke the mold for vehicle shapes.
Modular electric vehicle platform
Underneath its visionary exterior, the Elevate used a modular, flexible EV chassis. Honda described it as the "EV platform of the future." This flat skateboard-style platform could accommodate different vehicle bodies and attachments like robotic legs.
Honda said the universal EV architecture could spawn a diverse family of vehicles. In theory, the modular design allowed various powertrain configurations and customized attachments suited to different applications.
So while the walking Elevate embodied one futuristic use case, Honda suggested the underlying platform had many potential configurations. The automaker envisioned tailored vehicles derived from the common skateboard chassis, ranging from passenger cars to work trucks.
Comments from Honda's EV chief engineer
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| (Left) Takuya Tsumura, President and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. (Right) Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. |
However, according to Takuya Tsumura, Honda's EV chief engineer, the Elevate hybrid is not making it to production. In an interview, Tsumura said, "The legs were too much of an engineering challenge." Instead, Honda is focusing its efforts on a similarly sized BEV model.
Tsumura acknowledged the Elevate concept gained a lot of attention and reflected Honda's innovative thinking. But he said Honda is taking a different approach to its upcoming production EVs. The engineering team is prioritizing simplicity and efficiency at this stage.
Implications for Honda's EV strategy
Tsumura's comments provide insight into Honda's EV strategy. The automaker is taking a selective and targeted approach as it decides which models to electrify. Honda wants its EVs to be simple, pragmatic and appealing to mainstream car buyers.
This means some of Honda's flashier concept cars likely won't reach production. The first Honda EVs will focus on practicality and affordability, rather than exotic designs. Honda knows it needs competitive mass-market electric cars to keep up with rivals like Toyota and Volkswagen.
Honda's approach to developing EVs
Honda is choosing an incremental path towards electrification. The automaker has been relatively slow to embrace fully electric vehicles compared to companies like Tesla. However, Honda has recently announced ambitious EV investment plans.
Honda is co-developing two affordable electric SUVs with GM that will arrive in 2024. The company is also preparing its own EV platform that will underpin a series of Honda-branded models.
Honda says it wants its EVs to retain the fun-to-drive qualities the brand is known for. This capacity for dynamic driving performance, combined with Honda's manufacturing skills, could make the automaker's EVs stand out from the crowd.
Potential specs and features of Honda's new EV
While details are still scarce, we can make some educated guesses about Honda's planned electric vehicle based on Tsumura's comments. The EV will likely be a similar size to the Elevate concept, which Honda described as a "tiny urban EV."
Expect a compact crossover SUV or hatchback shape aimed at urban environments. Range could be around 250-300 miles per charge, in line with vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Kia Niro EV. Pricing should be accessible too, possibly starting around $30,000 to $35,000 before incentives.
AWD seems like an obvious inclusion for a Honda EV SUV. Advanced driver aids and modern tech features will also be on the menu. Knowing Honda, count on agile handling too. The new EV could draw inspiration from the well-received Honda E urban electric car sold in Europe.
Comparison to other Honda EV models
This unnamed Honda EV will join the Honda Prologue, an electric SUV being co-developed with GM. The Prologue will serve as Honda's flagship EV in North America starting in 2024.
Compared to the Prologue, Honda's homegrown EV is likely to be smaller and more affordable. While the Prologue targets the popular midsize crossover segment, Honda's EV will occupy the smaller end of the market.
In China, Honda already sells the compact Everus VE-1 SUV, co-developed with GAC. Honda's future EV appears similar in size and positioning to the VE-1. However, the proprietary Honda model should offer improved performance and features compared to the Everus.
Outlook for Honda's EV lineup
Honda's upcoming EV models put it on a path towards an all-electric lineup by 2040. The automaker is targeting EV sales of 40% by 2030, and 100% by 2040. To get there, Honda will introduce a diverse range of electric models.
The Prologue and the smaller homegrown EV will provide clean mobility options. Sporty performance EVs will add excitement, as will niche models like the reborn Honda Urban EV. Honda is aiming for a full EV portfolio encompassing sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and ATVs.
If Honda combines efficiency, quality and driving dynamics in its EVs, it could become a real force in the emerging electric car market. The next few years will be critical as Honda rolls out compelling BEVs to attract buyers and meet emissions standards globally.
Conclusion
While the Elevate concept was an exciting vision, Honda is shelving the hybrid design to focus on more conventional electric vehicles. As Honda works towards its ambitious electrification goals, expect to see a range of smart, practical EVs tailored for mass appeal. Honda's chief engineer says an affordable urban electric vehicle is in the works rather than an Elevate hybrid. This Honda-branded EV will complement the larger Prologue SUV developed with GM. Honda's strategy emphasizes incremental progress towards EV leadership through well-engineered mainstream models.
FAQs
Q: Why won't the Honda Elevate go into production?
A: Honda decided the engineering challenges involved in making the robotic legs work were too great. The company is opting to focus on simpler electric vehicle designs as it grows its EV lineup.
Q: What is Honda's approach to electric vehicles?
A: Honda is taking a selective and staged approach, rolling out affordable electric models while aiming to maintain its driving dynamics. Honda plans to introduce multiple EV models over the next decade.
Q: What size of EV is Honda planning next?
A: Honda's EV chief engineer said the automaker is working on an urban-focused electric car similar in size to the Elevate concept. This likely means a compact crossover or hatchback.
Q: When will Honda's next new EV arrive?
A: Honda has not confirmed a launch date yet, but its first joint EV project with GM, the Prologue SUV, arrives in 2024. The Honda-branded urban EV will likely follow soon after.
Q: How will Honda's EV lineup evolve in the coming years?
A: Honda plans a diverse range of electric models including sedans, SUVs, sports cars and minivans. Honda aims for EVs to make up 40% of sales by 2030 and 100% of sales by 2040.
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