Honda plans to release plug-in hybrid and EV in U.S. and Japan and begin test runs

CEO of Honda, Takanobu Ito announced the company’s intentions to introduce a mid-size plug-in hybrid and an electric commuter vehicle in the U.S and Japan, towards the end of next year 2012. The company also plans to push up its technology a few notches with the release of these vehicles. Europe won’t receive any electrics from Honda, though a diesel powered car will be introduced there around the same time. Before the end of this year, Honda will start up test runs on a bunch of electric vehicles, including scooters, plug-in hybrids, electric cars and electric carts too in the Kumamoto and Saitama region.

Once tests in Japan are flagged off, tests in the U.S. will be carried out too. Honda’s next generation Civic Hybrid will be the first to have a lithium-ion battery nestled in its belly. Honda is out to change the face of the automobile industry for the greener.
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