Honda R&D chief “skeptical” of EVs

Tomohiko Kawanabe, the newly appointed president of Honda’s research and development (R&D) division, has said that the company is skeptical about demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the future. Bloomberg quotes Kawanabe as saying that the company lacks confidence in the EV business as, “It’s questionable whether consumers will accept the annoyances of limited driving range and having to spend time charging them.” Commenting on the company’s EV development plans, Kawanabe said, “We are definitely conducting research on electric cars, but I can’t say I can wholeheartedly recommend them,” adding that, “Honda is focusing on expanding its line-up of gasoline-electric hybrid models and improving its gasoline [petrol] engines.” (May 20, 2010)