The future of electric vehicles, especially in America, is more uncertain than ever, with federal tax credits and funding drying up. That’s forcing many companies to reconsider their futures, including Honda.
The Japanese automaker is reportedly shifting resources from EVs to hybrids as it attempts to keep up with the changing tides. But the possibility of an electric Civic Type R isn’t completely out of the cards—one day.
Speaking with Auto Express, Honda Prelude project leader Tomoyuki Yamagami left the door open for such a model in the future. He told the publication that the Type R could be anything the "market demands," adding that the Type R badge is "not dependent on a turbo powertrain.”
According to Yamagami, Type R badge is about maximizing the car’s dynamic attributes. However, a battery-powered Type R is likely still years away.
Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda’s BEV Development Center, questioned how the engineers could still guarantee that an electric Type R was still a joy to drive. A battery and electric motor give a car different driving dynamics that present unique challenges, although Akiwa admitted then that Honda hasn’t given up on the endeavor.
But if consumers don’t want electric vehicles, Honda is unlikely to build them. It has allegedly already pulled the plug on a large SUV, a segment consumers love, and we doubt Honda will want to spend the money necessary to develop a low-volume electric hot hatch.
Not only is the future of electric vehicles faltering in the United States, but President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Japan pose a threat to Honda’s financial future. A recent report suggested the automaker is in talks to have Nissan build Honda-branded trucks at its factory in Mississippi.
