Acura, which hasn’t sold a hybrid vehicle since the NSX supercar ended production in 2022, may be reconsidering its strategy.
The automaker previously announced in 2021 that it planned to bypass hybrids entirely, and would instead focus on electric vehicles when it comes to electrification, with a goal of 60% EV sales by 2030. However, recent comments from a company executive suggest that Acura could be open to reintroducing hybrid models.
In a January interview with Automotive News, Mike Langel, assistant vice president of national sales for Acura, acknowledged that the brand’s previous EV target is now outdated. While he stopped short of confirming new hybrid models, he also did not rule them out.
“Our long-term plan is to sell all electric vehicles, but we are very flexible on what that path looks like,” Langel stated.
2024 Acura ZDX Type S
The shifting stance comes as the demand for EVs, while still growing, has cooled significantly over the past year. At the same time, hybrid vehicles are experiencing a surge in popularity. Toyota reported that hybrids accounted for a record 40.8% of its total sales in 2024.
Despite this potential reconsideration, Acura’s parent company, Honda, remains committed to achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040. This target includes both battery electric and fuel cell vehicles. Acura was initially positioned as the “tip of the spear” for Honda’s EV push, leading with the launch of the ZDX electric SUV in 2024. A modern RSX, this time a coupe-like crossover, will follow later this year as the first model based on Honda’s in-house-developed EV platform, which will also underpin Honda’s new 0 Series family of EVs. The ZDX uses a platform borrowed from General Motors.
As hybrid technology regains traction among consumers, Acura’s willingness to adapt makes a lot of sense. Whether that means the return of Acura hybrids remains to be seen.
