Skip advert
Advertisement

An electric Honda Civic Type R? We’re trying says brand’s EV boss… but it’s not easy

Japanese firm admits it’s investigating how to turn Type-R electric, but will only do so if it can deliver “joy of driving"

Honda Civic Type R - front static

Honda is exploring how to take its Type R brand into the EV arena, with the much-loved performance badge yet to translate to electric powertrains. 

Speaking at the unveiling of the first two so-called 0 Series EV prototypes at CES in Las Vegas this month, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of the Japanese firm’s BEV Development Centre, said it’s not a simple process. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

“A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can’t come up with something exactly the same as before,” said Akiwa. “As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? We haven’t given up of course, but it’s not just about power, it’s about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. These are the joys of driving.” 

The two 0 Series cars, a large saloon and a mid-sized SUV, hit production in 2026 as the first of seven cars to be spun off Honda’s new EV platform, but the firm is yet to divulge any plans for performance versions, despite the EV motors set to run up to around 480bhp. 

The latest-generation regular Civic is a 143bhp hybrid, but the Civic Type R, currently the only model in the UK to wear the Type-R badge, is a traditional 2.0-litre petrol engine boasting 329bhp. 

The performance electric vehicle market is slowly beginning to emerge, with Hyundai first to prove it’s possible to make engaging fast EVs with the Ioniq 5 N, while the Alpine A290 comes to UK roads this spring. 

Prior to the Hyundai and Alpine, fast EVs have in the main simply been more powerful versions of regular electric cars, with little or no chassis, braking or engineering upgrades to accompany the extra power. 

Need a bit of fun in your life? Perhaps you should treat yourself to one of the best hot hatchbacks...

Skip advert
Advertisement

As Editor, Paul’s job is to steer the talented group of people that work across Auto Express, Carbuyer and Driving Electric, and steer the titles to even bigger and better things by bringing the latest important stories to our readers. Paul has been writing about cars and the car industry since 2000, working for consumer and business magazines as well as freelancing for national newspapers, industry titles and a host of major publications.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best hot hatchbacks to buy 2025
Best hot hatchbacks - header image

Best hot hatchbacks to buy 2025

The very best hot hatchbacks offer giant-killing performance and an engaging drive, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package
Best cars & vans
5 Feb 2025
Best performance cars to buy 2025
Best performance cars - header

Best performance cars to buy 2025

Performance cars have reached new heights of speed and interaction - here’s a list of our ten favourites from the current crop
Best cars & vans
28 Jan 2025
Best track day cars 2025
Best track day cars - header image

Best track day cars 2025

Whether you're looking to shave tenths off your lap time or simply want to have fun, these are the UK's best track day cars
Best cars & vans
7 Jan 2025
Best used hot hatchbacks to buy now
Best used hot hatchbacks

Best used hot hatchbacks to buy now

Our picks for the best used hot hatchbacks in the UK
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: VW Golf GTI hot hatch legend for a very cool price
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: VW Golf GTI hot hatch legend for a very cool price

The Golf GTI has skilfully combined racy performance with everyday useability for nearly 50 years. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 February
News
10 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts