Honda to go emissions-free by 2040

On 23 April, Honda’s new CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, announced that the company will transition its entire fleet to tailpipe emissions-free vehicles – battery-electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles – by 2040. The transition will be in line with Japan’s target of cutting CO2 emissions by 46% from 2013 levels by 2030, and being carbon-neutral by 2050. Mibe acknowledged that the government’s targets were “extremely difficult” but also added that they were feasible. He went on to say that it was the responsibility of automakers to be carbon-free on a “tank-to-wheel” basis. Does Honda’s current product line-up support this plan? Will Honda’s existing regional market share lend itself to such a transition? Read more to find out.