Honda is preparing to introduce its first electric all-wheel-drive system, marking a major change in how the automaker delivers power to the rear wheels in its hybrid vehicles. The new Honda e-AWD system has already been developed as part of the company’s next-generation hybrid technology, potentially opening the door to more all-wheel-drive options across its global lineup.
Honda Develops Its First Electric AWD System
Honda has traditionally relied on mechanical all-wheel-drive systems, including in models that have adopted hybrid powertrains. These vehicles continue to use a mechanical connection to deliver power to the rear wheels, unlike systems used by competitors that rely on a separate electric motor to drive the rear axle.
That approach is set to change with the introduction of Honda’s first e-AWD system. The technology is part of the automaker’s next-generation hybrid platform, which the company calls Honda Hybrid. Honda has confirmed that development is complete, suggesting the system could appear in upcoming models.
The announcement also signals a potential expansion of Honda’s all-wheel-drive offerings beyond the markets and vehicle categories where the company has traditionally provided them.
How Honda’s e-AWD System Could Improve Efficiency
Honda says the new e-AWD system is designed for midsize vehicles. However, its more compact layout could eventually make it suitable for smaller models as well.
Unlike a conventional mechanical setup, the system eliminates the driveshaft connecting the front and rear wheels. That change could free up interior space and allow for greater cargo capacity, offering potential packaging advantages for future Honda vehicles.
Fuel efficiency is another potential benefit. Without a heavy driveshaft to turn, the system could reduce the energy required to deliver power to the rear wheels. Instead, a lightweight electric motor would draw energy from the battery to provide rear-wheel drive.
Honda also claims the setup can deliver more immediate throttle response and faster all-wheel-drive activation. These features could distinguish its next-generation hybrid vehicles from models using traditional mechanical AWD systems.
Which Honda Models Could Get e-AWD?
Honda’s focus on midsize vehicles points toward its midsize crossovers as potential candidates for the new technology. However, the company is also seeking to strengthen the appeal of its TrailSport models, making it less likely that the new system will replace the VTM-4 technology currently used in those vehicles.
Instead, the e-AWD system could find applications in models that are less focused on off-road performance, including vehicles that currently lack both all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrains.
Honda Odyssey
The next-generation Honda Odyssey is one potential candidate. The minivan currently does not offer all-wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain, while its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, offers both.
Adding these features to a future Odyssey could help Honda bring the family minivan closer to its competitor’s offerings.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is another possible application. The sedan is not currently available with all-wheel drive, and adding the technology could make it a stronger competitor to the all-wheel-drive Toyota Camry Hybrid.
An electric rear-drive system could provide Honda with a way to introduce AWD capability without relying on a conventional mechanical connection between the axles.
Honda CR-V, HR-V and Civic
The next-generation Honda CR-V is another strong candidate for the technology. The HR-V could also benefit from the system’s compact design, potentially expanding the availability of all-wheel drive across Honda’s crossover lineup.
Another possibility is the rumored Accord Crosstour wagon, which could provide an additional application for the new hybrid technology.
Honda’s Civic could also be a candidate. An all-wheel-drive hybrid version would give the model a potential way to compete with the Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD.
Honda’s Next Hybrid Models Could Expand AWD Availability
Honda’s new e-AWD system represents a shift away from the mechanical all-wheel-drive approach the automaker has traditionally used in its hybrid vehicles. By replacing the driveshaft with an electric motor that powers the rear wheels, the technology could offer packaging advantages, improved efficiency and more immediate AWD engagement.
Although Honda has identified midsize vehicles as the system’s initial focus, its potential applications extend across several models in the company’s lineup. Which vehicles ultimately receive the technology will become clearer as Honda introduces its next generation of models.
