Honda Motor said it aims to only sell electric (EV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCV) by 2040, making it the first Japanese automaker to move away from petrol cars as part of its drive to promote decarbonisation.

"By setting a high goal and sharing the attitude to pursue it (within the company), we aim to challenge for its realisation," Honda's new president Toshihiro Mibe said as he unveiled the plan during an April 23 press conference.

EVs and FCVs are considered eco-friendly in terms of carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional petrol cars. FCVs are powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and do not emit CO2.

Honda's move is in line with the Japanese government's policy of making all new cars sold in the country electrified by 2035. Electrified cars include petrol-electric hybrids, which Honda's rivals Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co have been promoting as part of their efforts to meet the government target.

In the run-up to 2040, Mibe said his company plans to raise the rate of EVs and FCVs sold in advanced countries to 40 per cent of total sales by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2035.

Honda plans to launch two large EVs in North America developed together with General Motors in 2024 and introduce 10 Honda brand EVs in China within the next five years, he said.

THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK