Honda to Stop Selling Gasoline-Only-Powered Cars in Europe by 2022

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

By adding new electrified vehicles to their model lineups or investing more in electrified powertrains, automakers are having to make large changes as more countries introduce stricter emissions regulations. For example, Britain recently announced a ban on the sale of new gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles beginning in 2030, causing some automakers to scramble. 

As a response, Japan's Honda Motor Co., as Autocar reports, will stop selling vehicles that only run on gasoline or diesel within the next few years.


Only Electrified Vehicles By 2022


As the outlet reports, Honda is looking to phase out pure internal combustion engines from its European lineup before the end of 2022. Ian Howells, the automaker's senior vice president, confirmed the news. 

"It [Honda's line-up] will be a combination of full electric and hybrid," said Howells. "Obviously, if the legislation starts to move as we approach 2035, or transitions away from hybrid as well, then we'll move our technology away from that."


Take a look at Honda's current electrified lineup and the automaker looks like it's on the back foot. The brand only has one electric vehicle with the e and doesn't have any full electric offerings in the U.S. In fact, Honda's been one of the few automakers to really fall behind the competition when it comes to electrified vehicles. Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, General Motors, Kia, and Ford all have plans that involve a variety of electrified vehicles. That isn't the case with Honda, which still seems to be waiting to see if electrification is the way forward.


Since Honda can't wait much longer, the automaker will reportedly take a few pathways to reduce its carbon footprint in the UK. Instead of just looking into electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, Honda believes there are other uses for different tech.
 
"There's a role to play for e-fuels, for biomass, for hydrogen, to some degree for conventional fuels, and also batteries," said Howells.


Pricing Remains A Sticking Point


From that quote, it still sounds like Honda is unsure of what path it wants to take in the future. While other automakers have gone all-in on electrified vehicles, Honda has been a stout supporter of hydrogen vehicles. The reason for Honda's divisiveness toward moving to EVs is mostly due to price. "They're a third to 50% more expensive than a conventional or hybrid vehicle," claims Howells.


Because of the current price difference between EVs and gasoline-powered cars, Honda is hesitant to go all-in on electrified vehicles. Instead, the automaker will probably start off with hybrids as a way to transition into fully battery-powered cars. It's a good starting point for Honda, as the brand is just beginning to expand its list of available hybrids in the U.S. In America, Honda offers five hybrids.


While there's no word on what Honda will do for the U.S., Britain and California both have similar plans to ban gasoline-powered vehicles, though the dates differ by five years. California's ban will go into place by 2035. With the similarities, we wouldn't be surprised to see some of Honda's electrified vehicles come to the U.S

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods