Latest news with #HEV
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla misses out on European EV growth as Model Y fails to revive sales
Tesla's sales in Europe fell 49 per cent in April from a year earlier, even though battery-electric car sales rose 27.8 per cent , as the U.S. EV maker's upgrade of its Model Y shows little sign of reviving the brand's fortunes in the region. Overall car sales in Europe dipped 0.3 per cent , with the strongest growth coming from electric and plug-in hybrid cars, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed. Why It's Important Tesla's European sales fell for the fourth straight month, as a backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political views combined with a tepid reception for the new Model Y and heightened competition from European and Chinese players. Tesla's European market share dropped to just 0.7 per cent from 1.3 per cent a year ago. European carmakers are striving to cut costs amid stiff competition, U.S. tariffs on auto imports, and a slowing global economy, with the outlook uncertain despite eased U.S.-China trade tensions. By The Numbers April sales in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association fell to 1.07 million cars, following 2.8 per cent growth in March, the ACEA data showed. Registrations at Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor and Japan's Mitsubishi rose 24.5 per cent and 22.1 per cent respectively, while they fell 24.5 per cent at Japan's Mazda. In the EU alone - not including Britain and the EFTA - total car sales have fallen 1.2 per cent so far this year. That is despite continued growth in demand for EVs, with registrations of battery-electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid-electric (HEV) cars rising 26.4 per cent , 7.8 per cent and 20.8 per cent respectively. EV sales in the bloc - whether BEV, HEV or PHEV - accounted for 59.2 per cent of passenger car registrations in April, up from 47.7 per cent in the previous year. Among the largest EU markets, total car sales in Spain and Italy increased by 7.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively, while in France and Germany they dropped by 5.6 per cent and 0.2 per cent . In Britain, registrations were down 10.4 per cent .
Business Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
Tesla misses out on European EV growth as Model Y fails to revive sales
[GDANSK] Tesla's sales in Europe fell 49 per cent in April from a year earlier, even though battery-electric car sales rose 27.8 per cent, as the US EV maker's upgrade of its Model Y shows little sign of reviving the brand's fortunes in the region. Overall car sales in Europe dipped 0.3 per cent, with the strongest growth coming from electric and plug-in hybrid cars, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed. Tesla's European sales fell for the fourth straight month, as a backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political views combined with a tepid reception for the new Model Y and heightened competition from European and Chinese players. Tesla's European market share dropped to just 0.7 per cent from 1.3 per cent a year ago. European carmakers are striving to cut costs amid stiff competition, US tariffs on auto imports, and a slowing global economy, with the outlook uncertain despite eased US-China trade tensions. April sales in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association fell to 1.07 million cars, following 2.8 per cent growth in March, the ACEA data showed. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Registrations at Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor and Japan's Mitsubishi rose 24.5 per cent and 22.1 per cent respectively, while they fell 24.5 per cent at Japan's Mazda. In the EU alone – not including Britain and the EFTA – total car sales have fallen 1.2 per cent so far this year. That is despite continued growth in demand for EVs, with registrations of battery-electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid-electric (HEV) cars rising 26.4 per cent, 7.8 per cent and 20.8 per cent respectively. EV sales in the bloc – whether BEV, HEV or PHEV – accounted for 59.2 per cent of passenger car registrations in April, up from 47.7 per cent in the previous year. Among the largest EU markets, total car sales in Spain and Italy increased by 7.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively, while in France and Germany they dropped by 5.6 per cent and 0.2 per cent. In Britain, registrations were down 10.4 per cent. REUTERS
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Kia Carnival HEV Water Review
I'd read somewhere that the Kia Carnival was the best of the MPVs available at present and hadn't given it much thought. Not surprising given I don't have six kids. But if I did I might have taken more notice. Because this latest version is quite something. It goes quietly about doing everything competently, in an understated and refined way. This has room to burn, for eight people and all their gear. Many of the seven-seater SUVs have next to no space left when all seats are occupied. Not this machine; there's a 627L cave-like space behind the third-row seats that seems to extend almost down to ground level. Grab the handles on the back of the third-row seats, pull them back and then lie them flat. There's over 2000L of luggage space then. If you slide the middle row seats forward and fold them over, figure on 2827L to fill it up. Truly, a van-like space. If you're a bit serious about towing, perhaps best not to go for the HEV example you see here; it's rated to tow braked trailers of only 1000kg. The turbodiesel variants can haul up to two tonnes of braked goodness. kia And there are three diesel grades on offer, kicking off at $62,990 for the EX, $72,990 for the Deluxe and $78,990 for the Kia Carnival Premium. Ours, however, is the HEV Water model. It's the most expensive at $81,990 but then it has plenty fitted as standard. The cabin centerpiece is the curved widescreen set-up, incorporating digital instruments and a 12.3-inch IFT screen with integrated sat-nav. We like the separate controls for the dual-zone air system too. Front seat occupants have ingress and egress that's hard to beat. For the rear seat occupants, it's even easier as the side doors automatically slide open. You can then activate the lever on the outside middle-row seat and it slides forward, facilitating third-row access. No problem for an adult to pop back there either. The trio of second-row seats are on sliders so everyone can have the right amount of legroom. It's all so user-friendly for the occupants. Like every modern vehicle with a central touchscreen, there's a little learning involved before you're au fait with silencing the safety arsenal. You might want to turn off the audible overspeed warning, and the lane keeping. We had no issues with the distraction system at all. Safety should be good too; the diesel versions are five-star cars, though the HEV is yet to be rated. The actual drive is very straightforward. There's a pushbutton to start, a rotary controller for Drive and Reverse and you're underway silently in EV mode. This is a parallel hybrid system, featuring a 132kW/265Nm 1.6 turbopetrol mated to a 54kW/305Nm transmission-mounted motor. Together, they're good for 180kW and 367Nm. The motor draws power from a 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery, and the claimed combined fuel consumption figure is 6.4L/100km (rightcar agrees). Without question, this uses less fuel in stop/start traffic and urban environs where we often saw figures of 5.8-6.2L/100km. I believe the worst we saw was 7.7L/100km. With a 72L fuel tank, this has a theoretical range of around 1125km. And remember, there's no external charging to do here; it is a self-charging hybrid. That's really surprising economy for something of this size. It's just over 5.1m long and almost 2m wide, weighing in at 2288kg. The turning circle, by the by, is just under 12m so it's not so difficult to park, aided by a 360-degree parking camera. Just finding a big enough space is the trick. With both power sources going full bore you can get to 100 in under 9sec. That's quite un-van-like. Full engine torque is on tap from 1500rpm so up to 2000rpm is just fine for in town, aided by the motor when you start off. Out of town 2500-3500rpm has you keeping up with anyone else. It's refined too, the engine largely in the background. You can tell when it's EVing because the revs go to nil, and a green EV light illuminates. There are no engine modes to muss with, just three towing options depending on how much you're lugging. And on modes, you can adjust the energy recuperation using paddles behind the wheel. There are four levels, low, medium, high and off. So brakes you don't need to rely on that much, if you don't want to. They're strong and tactile when needed. What you really want in an MPV is room and ride. So you'd not really expect much on the handling front. And yet, this does a more than passable job with fully independent suspension and 235/55R19 rubber. It's certainly not corner shy. Rounding it all off is a new look following a mid-life refresh, incorporating aspects of the 'Opposites United' design language. I'd opt for this Kia Carnival over a seven-seat SUV, especially with its seven-year/150,000km warranty. Most wouldn't, of course, but your passengers will thank you for it. Go diesel if you need to tow. All too much? A base HEV model is under consideration for the local market. Kia Carnival HEV Water$81,990 / 6.4L/100km / 147g/km 0-100 km/h 8.6s Engine 1598cc, 132kW / 265Nm Motor 54kW / 304Nm Hybrid output 180kW / 367Nm Transmission 6-speed auto / FWD Weight (claimed) 2288kg
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Honda reshapes electrification strategy amidst market shifts
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. has unveiled a recalibrated approach to its electrification efforts, responding to the rapidly evolving global automotive landscape. Toshihiro Mibe, the company's Global Chief Executive Officer, addressed the media today, offering insights into Honda's revised direction, driven by a dynamic market environment and the growing importance of intelligent mobility technologies. Despite external challenges, Honda remains committed to its long-term vision of carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities by 2050. The Japanese automaker continues to view electric vehicles (EVs) as the most viable pathway to decarbonising mobility. However, in light of regulatory changes and uncertain global trade conditions, Honda is adapting its strategy to ensure sustained competitiveness and broader accessibility to its mobility innovations. Reassessing Priorities in a Shifting Market Mibe confirmed that Honda would intensify its efforts in two key areas: the advancement of intelligent technologies across its EV and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) lineups, and a comprehensive review of its powertrain portfolio. This dual focus aims to strengthen the brand's foundations while maintaining its innovation momentum. Although Honda previously set a target for EVs to comprise 30% of global vehicle sales by 2030, this projection has now been revised downward due to a softening in EV demand. Simultaneously, HEVs continue to gain popularity, prompting Honda to place greater emphasis on this transitional technology. The company intends to elevate HEVs, particularly next-generation models arriving from 2027 onward, as pivotal products during the shift to full electrification. By 2030, Honda is targeting sales of 2.2 million HEVs as part of a broader effort to surpass its current annual global vehicle sales figure of 3.6 million units. Intelligent Driving Through Next-Generation ADAS At the heart of Honda's strategy is the development of a proprietary next-generation advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), designed to offer seamless driver support across varied road environments. The system will guide vehicles from origin to destination, covering both highways and urban settings, based on the driver's navigation inputs. Urban deployment presents significant technical challenges, but Honda is leveraging insights from its autonomous driving research to develop robust solutions. This advanced ADAS will begin appearing in EV and HEV models launched in Japan and North America around 2027. While such technologies have been largely reserved for high-end EVs and plug-in hybrids due to energy and cooling demands, Honda's refined full-hybrid systems overcome these limitations through precise energy management and compact component design. These efficiencies also enable the integration of ADAS into smaller vehicles without sacrificing cabin space, an achievement guided by Honda's longstanding 'man-maximum, machine-minimum' philosophy. In China, where both electrification and automation are advancing rapidly, Honda is collaborating with local firm Momenta Global Limited to tailor its next-generation ADAS to regional road conditions. The technology will be standard on all future Honda models in the Chinese market. Bolstering Hybrid Leadership with e:HEV Advancements Honda is also doubling down on the evolution of its e:HEV hybrid systems, striving to make them the most efficient in the world. Enhancements will include broader operating ranges for internal combustion engines, improved hybrid unit performance, and the introduction of a new electric all-wheel-drive (AWD) system offering greater responsiveness and control. The company anticipates a more than 10% improvement in fuel efficiency for upcoming e:HEV models, while also delivering a uniquely engaging and refined driving experience. To further lower costs, Honda is working closely with suppliers to cut the price of its next-generation hybrid systems by over 50% compared to those launched in 2018, and by 30% relative to current 2023 systems. Particular attention is being paid to North America, where demand remains strong for spacious, large-format vehicles. Honda is developing a robust hybrid powertrain for this segment, promising strong performance, high towing capacity, and strong environmental credentials. This system is expected to debut in the latter half of the decade. To capitalise on rising HEV demand, Honda will introduce 13 new hybrid models globally between 2027 and 2031, expanding its portfolio to meet market needs. Preparing for the EV Era with the Honda 0 Series While short-term projections for EV adoption have been tempered, Honda continues to prepare for a fully electric future. Central to this effort is the Honda 0 Series, which will debut its first-generation models in 2026. These smart digital vehicles (SDVs) will offer customisable user experiences powered by Honda's proprietary ASIMO OS and advanced driver-assist systems showcased at CES 2025. These EVs will incorporate a new centralised electronic and electrical (E&E) architecture and utilise a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) developed in collaboration with Renesas Electronics. The chip will deliver industry-leading artificial intelligence capabilities of 2,000 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), promising greater levels of vehicle intelligence and performance. Despite delays in certain investment timelines, such as the development of an EV value chain in Canada, Honda affirmed its unwavering belief in EVs as the cornerstone of future mobility. The company aims to build a strong and resilient EV brand while remaining flexible with its rollout strategy to match market conditions. A New Era of Honda Mobility Honda's realigned strategy reflects a broader commitment to innovation, adaptability, and sustainable growth. The company envisions a future where drivers can choose between dynamic, hands-on driving and relaxed, autonomous commuting, all within the same vehicle. To symbolise this transformation, Honda will debut a redesigned 'H' badge across both EV and key HEV models, marking a bold new chapter for the brand as it evolves toward a smarter, cleaner, and more connected future.
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Honda softens EV goals to focus more on hybrids
Honda has announced it will introduce 13 new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) using a lower cost, more fuel-efficient next-generation platform as it ditches its previous electric vehicle (EV) sales targets. The Honda business briefing held in Tokyo, Japan yesterday saw the automaker admit it won't achieve its previous goal of 30 per cent of sales being EVs by 2030 despite committing to investing more than 10 trillion yen (A$108 billion) in EV tech last year. Instead, Honda confirmed plans for a new generation of more affordable dual-motor 'e:HEV' hybrid technology – with renewed investment in internal combustion engines. The tech will use a new lighter all-wheel drive platform across small, medium and large vehicles to go into production from 2027. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The automaker said the tech – which will first be introduced in Japan and North America markets – will be more affordable with lower cost batteries and electric motors. Honda is also aiming for a 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency for the new e:HEV tech. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the brand aims to sell 2.2 million HEVs out of a total of 'more than 3.6 million' Honda vehicles annually by 2030. In 2024 the automaker's total global production was 3.7 million vehicles. The automaker will look to address slow sales in China with a partnership to develop next-level Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with local start-up Momenta, enabling it to tune ADAS for specific markets. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Despite the move away from its electric car sales targets, Honda said it remains committed to its previously announced goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050. While it has invested heavily in fuel-cell technology, the automaker said battery-electric powertrains remain the best solution to achieve this, with plans for 'comprehensive EV supply chain' in Canada – despite headwinds from automotive tariffs applied by the US government. It plans to launch production versions of the Honda 0 Series electric range – the 'main pillar' of its electric model strategy – shown at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The first 0 Series model is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2026, with the lineup set to include a sedan and an SUV. Honda Australia is yet to confirm any EVs for local showrooms, although it currently offers five models with hybrid powertrains.
