When will Honda have a Tesla Model Y rival? Electric car plan gains pace but where will Honda source its BYD and Hyundai-fighting EV models from?

Honda will launch electric cars in Australia sooner than previously thought.

It was widely reported early last year that Honda would not launch an EV until at least 2028, the company has clarified its position.

Speaking with journalists at the Accord launch, Honda Australia Director Carolyn McMahon said to expect battery electric Hondas in the coming years.

“In terms of when is it (EV) coming to Australia. I think this time last year we spoke about our mid-term plan, some pegged that at 2028. It'll be earlier than that,” she said.

“I can't tell you exactly at this point because we are still firming that up, but in the background we're working hard on Honda's movement into introducing the battery electric into the Australian market. So when we've got further details that we can share, we'll share that with you but I just want to make the point that there's lots of development going on, lots of investment, and when we can announce that to you, we will.”

McMahon added that Honda’s current strategy has not changed, and the focus remains on hybrids for now, followed by a wider rollout of more electrified vehicles.

“Many of you often question in terms of where we are up to with electrification. And we've explained before that our strategy is very much a stepping stone from electric hybrid technology, through then to full battery electric vehicles. So we're still on that strategy. And we'll continue with that.”

She also said Honda was watching what will happen with the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and what impact that has on the industry.

“In terms of NVES, we've still got to wait for it to pass two houses of parliament, that will take place in the next few months, we expect. So we're in discussion with government about what the impact will be for us. And I guess we're just really curious about how this is going to play out for the consumer.

“So yes, the industry can bring vehicles to market. What's the consumer demand? And I think what we're seeing is a really good take up of hybrid at the moment. Many people feel very comfortable stepping from ICE into hybrid, before investing into battery electric. So we'll be interested to see what that demand does once the new program is in place.”

In terms of what sort of EVs Honda will introduce, and where the company will source them from, nothing is locked in just yet.

“So we will draw from wherever can meet the compliance requirements of this market, can meet the majority of consumer requirements for the market. So that's what's under discussion,” McMahon said.

“At the moment we're not ruling anything in or out. Unfortunately, I can't comment on specifics today.”

Honda, globally, is trailing many of its competitors when it comes to its EV rollout. The company has had mixed success when it comes to EV partnerships, too.

A major tie-up between Honda and American giant GM ended in October last year when the two automakers decided to shelve plans to develop affordable EVs. They had already finished development of the Honda Prologue that uses GM’s Ultium EV architecture - this model has just gone on sale in the US.

Since then Honda and Japanese rival Nissan have announced a partnership that will see them develop common electric powertrains and strive to produce more affordable EVs to better compete with Chinese competitors.

Honda revealed a trio of new EVs in China recently, but the models - branded ‘Ye’ - are slated for the Chinese market only, for now. However they could become global models down the track.

Another avenue for sourcing Honda EVs for Australia, although less likely, is Canada. The company recently announced a significant investment for an EV plant and a battery plant in Ontario, Canada. Although it’s unclear what models will be produced there.

Other recent Honda concepts include the sleek 0 Series saloon that debuted at CES earlier this year.

Honda sells an electric version of the HR-V in the UK, called the e:Ny1, but it starts from the equivalent of AUD$76,000, which would make it a very tough sell in Australia. The much admired Honda ‘e’ city hatch was also nixed for the Australian market, and it was recently discontinued globally.