Acura remains committed to an all-electric future but is acknowledging that hybrid models may play a role in its transition, as the broader automotive industry adapts to shifting consumer demand and infrastructure challenges.
The luxury division of Honda had initially projected that 60% of its sales would be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. However, the company is now taking a more flexible approach. “Our long-term plan is to sell all-electric vehicles, but we are very flexible on what that path looks like,” said Mike Langel, Acura’s assistant vice president of national sales, in an interview with Auto News. “It could definitely be a windy road, but the end goal remains the same.”
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While Acura has not officially announced new hybrid models, analysts suggest the automaker may introduce them to bridge the gap. “An Acura hybrid is absolutely coming,” said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions. “The market is not moving fast enough for Acura to go all-electric as quickly as it planned, and they’re going to have to fall back on hybrids.”
Acura’s parent company, Honda, has also acknowledged the challenges of EV adoption, recently increasing its investment in an Ohio EV hub by $300 million. The facility is expected to manufacture internal combustion, hybrid, and electric models.
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For now, Acura is focused on expanding its EV lineup. The brand recently launched the ZDX, developed with General Motors’ Ultium platform, and is preparing to introduce the RSX, a compact electric crossover, later this year. The company has also unveiled the ADX, a new crossover powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.