The following-generation Honda CR-V e:PHEV made its debut on the finish of final week in Europe, displaying the plug-in hybrid variant can be extra broadly accessible than within the earlier era that was offered primarily in China.
Initially launched earlier this yr in China, the brand new CR-V plug-in hybrid can be one among two drivetrains accessible in Europe, the opposite being the usual hybrid system that’s current on sixth-generation fashions offered elsewhere around the globe.
It’s unclear at this stage if the CR-V e:PHEV can be accessible in variations of the crossover in-built each Thailand and North America. Australia-bound CR-Vs are anticipated to return from Thailand.
Whereas the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a extra highly effective 225kW powertrain in comparison with the 169kW system fitted to the common RAV4 hybrid, the CR-V e:PHEV has no additional energy.
As an alternative it has the identical 152kW system fitted to the CR-V e:HEV, which pairs a 109kW/183Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 135kW/335Nm electrical motor.
Naturally the PHEV mannequin has a bigger lithium-ion battery pack, and exterior charging functionality. Honda hasn’t introduced the capability of the PHEV’s battery, however has revealed the automotive is able to 82km of pure electrical driving beneath the WLTP testing commonplace.
The corporate additionally claims the e:PHEV might be absolutely recharged from empty in 2.5 hours.
In Europe the CR-V will solely be accessible as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. A turbocharged 142kW/243Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine will function in different markets around the globe, together with North America and Thailand.
The sixth-generation CR-V was unveiled within the US in the course of 2022. In March this yr, the automotive was the star attraction on the Honda’s Bangkok motor present stand. It’s probably the Australia-bound CR-Vs can be sourced from Thailand, however timing, specs and drivetrain choices have but to be confirmed.
Whereas Honda has lagged behind different carmakers, together with Volkswagen and Stellantis, in its rollout of pure EVs, the corporate has switched to providing solely electrified drivetrains, largely hybrid, on new fashions being offered in Europe, with the only exception being the Civic Sort R.
Thus far Honda’s solely European EV is the the retro-styled e. Whereas the small hatch has gained plaudits for its design, its small 35.5kWh battery limits vary to 211km (WLTP), and has put a dampener on gross sales.
Honda will quickly launch the curiously-named e:Ny1 on the Continent, and whereas it appears to be like like a warmed over HR-V, it really rides on the e:N Structure F front-wheel drive EV platform. Fitted with a extra palatable 68.8kWh battery, the e:Ny1 is predicted to have a variety of round 412km.
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