Honda admits that the Civic Type R EV project is not easy

In recent years, rumors have circulated that the Civic Type R FL5 will be the last pure internal combustion engine (ICE) hot hatch model from Honda.

What is the future of the Civic Type R? Will it become an electric-powered hot hatch?

The unfortunate news is that Honda is indeed exploring the process of creating an EV Type R.

However, this process is not as simple as Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda’s BEV development unit, admitted when unveiling two 0 Series prototypes at CES Las Vegas this month.

“An electric motor and battery have different characteristics, so we cannot produce something that is the same as before.

“As an EV, how can we offer the joy of driving? Of course, we have not given up, but it is not just about sheer power. It’s about sound, vibrations, acceleration, and human experience.

“All of these are part of the joy of driving,” he added.

While showcasing the large sedan and mid-size SUV prototypes, Honda has no plans to offer the 0 Series EV, even though the electric motor setup can achieve around 480 hp.

For comparison, the Honda Civic Type R FL5 is a pure ICE hot hatch with a 2.0-liter turbo engine capable of generating up to 329 hp.