Honda Rule Out Strong Hybrid Engine For Elevate SUV | V3Cars

Honda Elevate e:HEV Ruled Out

Since the Elevate shares its powertrain with the City, Honda were expected to offer their latest SUV with the strong hybrid powertrain from thr City e:HEV sedan at some stage in the future. However, Honda have confirmed that they have no plans to offer the e:HEV strong hybrid powertrain with the Elevate anytime soon. Although Honda haven’t given any reason behind their decision, we have our assumptions.

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Imported Strong Hybrid Option Would Be Costly

Honda already offer the City with a strong hybrid engine but it is directly imported to the country. Since there is no other strong hybrid sedan in the market, the City currently enjoys a monopoly in its segment, and thanks to its efficient strong hybrid powertrain, Honda can easily charge any premium they want. However, this isn’t case when it comes to C-segment SUVs.

We already have 2 SUVs that offer strong hybrid engines — the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser. Both SUVs share the same 1.5L strong hybrid engine from Toyota, which is heavily localised. Since Honda imports their strong hybrid engine, the Elevate e:HEV would end up costing more than the Maruti and Toyota hybrid SUVs.

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Honda Sets Focus On Battery Electric Vehicles

While Honda have officially ruled out the strong hybrid powertrain for the Elevate, Honda stated that the all-electric Elevate SUV will arrive within the next 3 years. Rather than taking baby steps towards electrification, Honda have announced plans to bring the all-electric Elevate SUV by 2026. This goes in line with the brand’s global plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Furthermore, Honda Cars India also plan to launch 5 new SUVs by 2030, including the new Elevate. You can click on the link below to know more about the upcoming Honda SUVs.

Also Read: Honda Confirm 5 New SUV Launches For India By 2030