Honda announced the name Honda Hybrid for a new-generation hybrid system developed as an evolution of e:HEV, upgrading the engine, drivetrain, and platform. The rollout of vehicles will begin in 2027, targeting 15 models worldwide by the fiscal year ending March 2030.
On 9 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. officially announced the name of its new-generation hybrid system as Honda Hybrid to meet growing global demand for hybrid vehicles. The company plans to gradually launch new models equipped with this system starting in 2027.
This move aligns with Honda's automotive business direction announced in May 2026, where the company allocated more resources to hybrid development and production alongside advancing new-generation drivetrain technologies.
Honda Hybrid is an evolved hybrid system based on Honda's two-motor full hybrid e:HEV system, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency, driving performance, and driver responsiveness.
Honda will use the name Honda Hybrid both as the official name for the new-generation hybrid system and for global marketing communication to clearly convey the technology's value and strengths to customers.
The company plans to introduce a total of 15 new vehicle models equipped with Honda Hybrid worldwide by the fiscal year ending 31 March 2030 GMT+7, with North America as the primary market.
In development, Honda will improve fuel efficiency by expanding the high-efficiency operating range of the engine and making the drivetrain, or Drive Unit, more compact and efficient.
Meanwhile, vehicles equipped with Honda Hybrid will be developed on a newly designed platform featuring a new Body Rigidity Management concept to balance structural strength and vehicle weight reduction, resulting in sharper cornering and enhanced road grip.
Additionally, Honda plans to introduce new features and technologies to the new-generation hybrid vehicles, such as the Motion Management System—which enhances driving stability and agility through Honda’s proprietary integrated control technology—and a newly developed e-AWD, an electric all-wheel-drive system.
These technologies aim to improve driving precision and responsiveness, while increasing driving enjoyment, confidence, and ride quality across various road conditions.
Honda began hybrid technology in 1999 with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, first introduced on the first-generation Honda Insight. This compact, lightweight parallel hybrid system uses the engine as the primary power source, with an electric motor assisting during starts and acceleration to combine environmental performance with driving enjoyment.
In 2012, Honda announced the SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive), a single-motor hybrid system paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The high-power motor is integrated into the transmission to deliver fuel efficiency, acceleration, and responsive performance.
That same year, Honda introduced SPORT HYBRID i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive), a two-motor hybrid system consisting of a Generator Motor and a Traction Motor, using the high-efficiency traction motor as the primary power source in most driving conditions.
The i-MMD system switches among three driving modes, offering powerful yet smooth acceleration similar to electric vehicles, along with quiet operation and fuel efficiency. Since 2020, Honda has marketed this technology under the name e:HEV.
Also announced in 2012 was SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive), a three-motor hybrid system combining the engine with three electric motors and independent torque control for the left and right wheels, optimally distributing power to all four wheels to enhance fuel efficiency and driving performance.
Most recently, in 2026, Honda unveiled the name Honda Hybrid for its new-generation hybrid system built on the e:HEV platform, upgrading the engine, drivetrain, and control technologies, with plans to gradually introduce vehicles equipped with this technology globally starting in 2027.