Honda confirmed
that the next-generation Jazz will be offered exclusively with a hybrid
powertrain option in Europe, as part of the company’s electrification strategy.
The announcement came at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the Japanese car maker
showed the production version of the Honda e, their first production electric
vehicle.
Honda’s “Electric
Vision” strategy for Europe includes having all of its models offered with an
electrified powertrain by 2025. Currently the only hybrid Honda offered in
Europe is the CR-V Hybrid. The next-gen Honda Jazz, which has been spotted
testing on public roads, is expected to feature the company’s i-MMD dual-motor
hybrid system. We still don’t know the petrol engine Honda intends to use but a
fuel-efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder is expected to make the cut, working
together with a CVT transmission.
Honda also revealed
its range of charging and energy management solutions; these include the Honda
Power Charger, aimed at those who have the option of charging their EV
off-street, with the system offering a maximum output of 7.4kW with a single
phase power supply and 22kW with a three phase power supply. The latter will
enable the Honda e to be fully charged in just 4.1 hours.
Honda also
announced its collaboration with charging specialists Ubitricity, as well as
presented the Power Manager Prototype. The latter is a bidirectional system
that connects EVs to a smart power grid, allowing the distribution of
electricity between the vehicle and the grid.
