Next generation Honda CR-V e:PHEV launched last weekend in Europe, suggesting that the plug-in hybrid variant will be more widely available than the previous generation sold mainly in China.
First launched earlier this year in China, the new CR-V plug-in hybrid will be one of two powertrains available in Europe, the other being the standard hybrid system currently available on the market. sixth-generation models are sold elsewhere in the world.
It remains unclear whether the CR-V e:PHEV will be available in versions of the crossover produced in both Thailand and North America. The CR-Vs destined for the Australian market are expected to be sourced from Thailand.
While the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a more powerful 225 kW powertrain compared to the 169 kW system fitted to the regular version. RAV4 hybrid, the CR-V e:PHEV has no extra power.
Instead, it has the same 152kW system fitted to the CR-V e:HEV, incorporating a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine 109kW/183Nm with one 135kW/335Nm electric motor.
Naturally, the PHEV model has a larger lithium-ion battery pack and external charging capabilities. Honda has not announced the battery capacity of the PHEV, but has revealed the car is capable 82km All-electric driving according to WLTP test standards.
The company also claims that the e:PHEV can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours.
In Europe, the CR-V will only be available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. The 142kW/243Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine will be available in other markets around the world, including North America and Thailand.
The sixth generation CR-V is launched in the US mid-2022. In March of this year, the car was the star that attracted attention at Honda’s Bangkok motor show booth. It is possible that the CR-Vs destined for the Australian market will be sourced from Thailand, but timing options, specs and powertrain are yet to be confirmed.
While Honda lags behind other automakers, including Volkswagen and Stellantis, in launching pure electric vehicles, the company has shifted to offering only electrified powertrains, mostly hybrid, on new models sold in Europe, with the sole exception of the Civic Type R.
So far, Honda’s only European electric car model is the e. Although the small hatch has won critical acclaim for its design, its small 35.5 kWh battery pack limits its range to 211 km (WLTP) and has caused sales to drop.
Honda will soon be rolling out the curious name e:Ny1 on the Continent, and while it looks like a reheated HR-V, it actually runs on the e:N Architecture front-wheel drive EV platform. F. Powered by a more pleasant 68.8 kWh battery, the e:Ny1 is expected to have a range of around 412 km.
THAN: Honda CR-V 2024 details for Thailand, hints at Australian specs
THAN: Honda CR-VA
