Honda’s e:Technology Translator to help raise EV IQ of motorists in UK

MANILA: Honda Motor Europe recently conducted a research which showed a knowledge gap for petrol and diesel drivers when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs).

According to data collected from 5,000 current petrol and diesel car drivers across Europe, nearly two-thirds of drivers find researching hybrid and electric vehicles to be too confusing due to technical jargon, lack of user experience or relatable real-life examples, and ambiguous terms and phrases.

Despite the fact that 57% of drivers in the UK believe that electric and hybrid vehicles are the future of motoring and 36% wants to buy one in the next two years, 9% of petrol and diesel drivers would put their plans on hold if they are presented with confusing terminology.

To aid in eliminating the confusion, Honda launched the e:Technology Translator, an online tool that gives simple translations of commonly used hybrid and electric vehicle terminology and technologies.

A team of Honda EV and hybrid owners have come together to make car buyers aware of the advantages of EVs by translating the confusing EV jargon into relatable personal experiences and anecdotes.

In a statement, Honda Automobile Head Rebecca Adamson said, “Our research shows that many UK car buyers are being put off switching to hybrid and electric cars because they find them too confusing. More than a quarter of petrol and diesel drivers said they will stick with what they know because they don’t understand the technology, so it’s clear that this is an issue to address. Our e:Technology Translators are here to help — explaining the environmental and economic benefits of switching to an electrified vehicle, and translating the technical jargon for everyone to understand.”

Aside from discussing the differences among parallel, mild, and self-charging hybrids and going into detail on slow, fast, and rapid charging, the e:Technology Translators also debunk common myths about hybrids and EVs.

For example, 27% of the respondents felt that an EV’s range in sufficient for their daily demands, while 18% of petrol and diesel drivers believe that EVs require more maintenance than their current vehicle.

Moreover, 9% of European drivers assume that driving a hybrid in fully electric mode prevents them from using the radio, heating, or air-conditioning system. Due to these misconceptions, 32% of the respondents claimed they would be hesitant to drive an EV with their current lack of information.

Many of these myths are being disproved by Honda’s growing lineup of battery electric and hybrid vehicles, which offer a compelling balance of efficiency and snappy performance, as well as great interior space and versatility. Hondas innovative two-motor e:HEV powertrain technology is now standard in the all-new HR-V, CR-V, Jazz, and Jazz Crosstar. The carmaker plans to electrify all of its European mainstream models by 2022, along with the award-winning all-electric Honda e and the all-new Civic e:HEV.

To learn more about Honda’s e:Technology Translators, log on to translator.honda.co.uk/.

Photos from Honda Motor Europe

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