Review Car

Honda Keeps Strong in Hybrid Design

Honda has been very competitive when it comes down to Hybrid design. It seems that it will continue to put an aggressive competition as more automakers are jumping into the bandwagon of lowering CO2 emissions and becoming more environmentally friendly. Public demand or government pressure? It truly doesn't matter; what really matters is that in the next couple of years, the battle of the best hybrids is going to be seen and the automaker that offers the best technology and innovation at an affordable price will win.

Honda seems to be aware of that. It showcased zero emission concepts at Geneva 2010. These two vehicles were electric battery concepts that were not only stylish, but represent zero emissions for a greener planet. These two vehicles at Geneva were the EV-N and the 3R-C, a three-wheel vehicle, designed as a one-person car.  

The EV-N is battery electric and has Honda's solar panel technology in the roof of the car. The function is to charge a parked vehicle with solar power. The two-door vehicle concept has a lithium-ion battery pack – the latest in hybrid technology – and a small electric motor. This vehicle seems to be designed for an urban environment and use. The compact interior feature four seats and is designed with light materials and minimalism in mind to reduce the weight of the car.  

The 3R-C is also an urban concept and features and electric battery in a vehicle with three wheels. This is a one-person vehicle designed as a very compact and light vehicle that would be fine for urban errands and it even has a canopy to protect the seat when not in use. It is a minimal concept with some safety features in mind.  

Honda has become an expert in low emission vehicles, and continues to have its futuristic vision applied to technology that will be embraced by the masses, at an affordable price – a characteristic that has always been a Honda trait. Just as Porsche builds for an exclusive clientele, Honda builds for the majority of the population – however, the fact that over a hundred years ago Porsche came out with the first electric and later, hybrid vehicle in the 1900s is ironic, non the least.