All-electric 2023 Honda HR-V and CR-V PHEV next in line to lead Honda’s electrified revolution for Europe

With the unveiling of the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback e:HEV, Honda’s commitment to offer only electrified models in its line-up for Europe has only just started. Following that, the big H announced that at least 3 new electrified models will be introduced across the continent in 2023.

The new models that were announced include an all-electric B-segment SUV, a C-segment full hybrid (HEV) SUV, and the all-new CR-V which will be available as both HEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the first time in Europe.

The all-electric B-segment SUV is previewed as the e:Ny1 Prototype and from the way it looks, it’s the EV version of the HR-V which is currently on sale in Europe as a hybrid-only model. The all-electric HR-V isn’t new either as it made its debut in China where it will be sold as the e:NS1 and e:NP1 come Spring 2022.

Also read: The Honda e:NS1 is the electric HR-V that marks the beginning of the end of VTEC in China

Meanwhile, the unnamed C-segment HEV SUV might be based on the upcoming US-spec HR-V which will be unveiled in the States on 4-April. This is still unconfirmed but the press release included a couple of sketches of the American HR-V.

Also read: US-spec 2023 Honda HR-V teases its rear, unveiling on 4-April

Perhaps this model would be slotted in between the HR-V and CR-V for Europe but will expanding its line-up of SUVs cannibalise one or the other or will it prove to be a risky success for Honda?

According to Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President for Honda Motor Europe, Honda isn’t “resting on its laurels” as it plans to expand the choice of battery-electric (BEV) and hybrid vehicles for customers as well as increasing its offering in the “fast-growing B- and C-SUV segments”.

Also read: Mazda lets enthusiasts down by cancelling RWD Mazda 6, focuses on SUVs

Last but not least is the next-gen CR-V which is the only model explicitly mentioned in the announcement. The next-gen CR-V has been spied around Europe for the past year and according to the announcement, it is expected to be launched in 2023.

Also read: All-new 2023 Honda CR-V clued in leaked patent image with mature, clean looks

We already had a sort of sneak peek at what the next-gen CR-V could look like based on leaked patent images. The outgoing CR-V is available as a hybrid and a PHEV though it is only offered in a few markets like North America. This next-gen might expand on the electrification of Honda’s most popular model.

Honda’s latest expansion announcement shows how committed the Japanese carmaker is at leaving behind its legacy of VTECs for Europe. That said, could this also mean that the next-gen Civic Type R won’t be sold in Europe unless it is a hybrid?

Also read: Final tease before debut, here's the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Type R