During the recent Electric Vision event in Amsterdam, Honda announced that all of its European mainstream models will feature electrified powertrains by 2022 (instead of 2025).

This ‘accelerated target’ will see six electrified models launched over the next 36 months, with the ‘Honda e’ and new hybrid-only Jazz leading the way.

Tom Gardner, senior vice-president of Honda Motor Europe, said: “The pace of change in regulation, the market and consumer behaviour in Europe means that the shift towards electrification is happening faster here than anywhere else in the world. We need to act sooner to meet these challenges head-on.”

Honda (www.global.honda) also revealed its new ‘e:Technology’ branding, which will bring all its electrified products together under the same global name.

The badging will denote the type of powertrain, and the Jazz will be the first vehicle to carry the ‘e:HEV’ branding (Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

Honda says that unlike traditional hybrids, where the electric motor assists the engine, the engine in the Jazz e:HEV produces electricity that assists the electric motor, “resulting in the smooth ride and crisp acceleration of an electric vehicle, while offering outstanding environmental performance”.

As well as announcements about its car range, Honda announced a collaboration with Vattenfall, a leading European energy supplier.

This will allow it to provide “the world’s first flexible energy contract specifically tailored for electric-vehicle (EV) owners in Europe”.

In a Letter of Intent signed on 23 October, the two companies confirmed their intentions to jointly develop and market a flexible energy contract that will allow EVs to be charged at the most cost-effective times, relative to grid demand.