Honda plans to roll out an electric car and plug-in hybrids in 2012 as it tries to catch up in the race to make battery-powered cars.
The automaker had previously been skeptical of plug-in hybrids, but now plans to launch a compact electric car and mid- and large-sized plug-in hybrids capable of up to 140 miles per gallon.
Japan's No.2 automaker was one of the world's only carmakers to offer gasoline-electric cars during the past decade, but has been looking like a laggard without a strong hybrid or firm plans to make electric-only cars.
Honda's hybrid lineup now includes the Insight and Civic compacts and the CR-Z coupe. Honda plans to sell a hybrid version of the Fit later this year. The carmaker has failed to match Toyota's success. The Prius has outsold the Insight 6-to-1 in the U.S. this year.
Global competitors from Hyundai to Volkswagen are preparing to launch hybrids that are more fuel-efficient than the Insight, while also developing battery-run cars. And Toyota plans a plug-in hybrid next year and recently partnered with California's Tesla Motors to develop electric cars. Plug-in hybrids share technology with standard hybrids, but can be recharged using a household power point.
The launch of the new vehicles is timed to meet tough regulations, including a new California law that will require 3% of a carmaker's sales in the state to be zero-emission vehicles starting in 2012.
Honda plans to start making a high-output lithium-ion battery this year through a joint venture and would also harness technology from its prototype fuel-cell car to develop its all-electric car.
Nissan is set to take the lead in mass-producing fully electric cars with lithium-ion batteries when it releases its Leaf later this year.
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