Honda Hybrid-Electric Sales: 25 Years of Innovation

2000 Honda Insight

Honda is celebrating a remarkable 25 years of hybrid-electric vehicle sales in America, a journey that began with a groundbreaking innovation: the first-generation Honda Insight. This pioneering vehicle, launched in 1999, wasn’t just the first mass-produced hybrid sold in the United States; it set a new standard for fuel efficiency.

"Twenty-five years after making history with America's first hybrid-electric vehicle, hybrids now account for more than 25% of Honda auto sales,. As we advance step-by-step toward our goal of carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, our popular hybrid models are a critical part of our longer-term electrification strategy that supports our ultimate goal of zero environmental impact by 2050."

Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales

The original Insight remains a landmark achievement, holding the title of America’s most fuel-efficient non-battery electric vehicle (BEV) ever. Its EPA highway mileage rating of an astounding 70 mpg cemented its place in automotive history. This impressive fuel economy was achieved through a combination of innovative technologies, including the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) hybrid powertrain, a lightweight aluminum body and structure (drawing on Honda’s experience with the NSX supercar), and a highly aerodynamic design boasting a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.25. The Insight was even produced alongside the NSX and S2000 sports cars, showcasing Honda’s commitment to performance and innovation across its lineup.

Today, Honda’s commitment to hybrid technology is stronger than ever. Models like the Civic Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and CR-V Hybrid now represent more than 25% of Honda’s total sales. These vehicles are powered by Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid system, a testament to the company’s continued leadership in electrified powertrains. This system, along with the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, is built in Ohio by associates at Honda Power Unit Operations, further emphasizing Honda’s investment in American manufacturing.*
This focus on hybrid technology is a key component of Honda’s broader electrification strategy. The company has set an ambitious global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050, with a vision of battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles representing 100% of its vehicle sales by 2040. Hybrids are playing a crucial role in this transition. The Honda CR-V hybrid was America’s best-selling hybrid vehicle in 2023, and the Accord hybrid led hybrid car sales in the country. Hybrid trims now account for over 50% of both Accord and CR-V sales, and the new 2025 Civic hybrid models are projected to represent approximately 40% of Civic sales. Honda’s cumulative sales of electrified vehicles have now exceeded one million units.
Looking to the future, Honda has launched its first all-electric SUV, the Prologue, and plans to begin EV production on its own dedicated EV platform at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in late 2025. This hub will offer the flexibility to produce petrol, hybrid-electric, and battery-electric vehicles on the same production line.* At CES 2024, Honda unveiled concept models for its Honda 0 Series, with a production model of the Saloon planned for fall 2026, to be built at the Honda EV Hub. Honda intends to introduce seven Honda 0 Series models globally by 2030. They even plan to unveil a new Honda 0 Series model at CES 2025.

From the pioneering Insight to the current generation of hybrid models and the exciting future of electric vehicles, Honda’s 25-year journey in hybrid technology demonstrates a sustained commitment to innovation and a cleaner automotive future.

Honda Hybrid-Electric Vehicles by Model Year

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Source: Honda Media Newsroom
*using domestic and globally-sourced parts
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