Honda Halts Next-Gen EV, Returns to Hybrids: Pragmatic Pivot or Wavering?

Toyo Keizai reports Honda will halt next-generation EV development and pivot back to strengthening hybrids, redrawing its auto-business turnaround, a move that confronts a reality: global EV demand growth is slowing, raising the risk of an all-electric sprint. With Western subsidies fading and charging and price still hurdles, buyers adopt EVs slower than expected while hybrids regain favor on fuel savings, no charging anxiety and affordability. Reallocating to what actually sells is pragmatic, but raises the question of flexibility versus wavering. The report also flags a deeper issue, whether Honda can shed 'go-it-alone' for alliances, since solo R&D is costly in the era of software-defined cars. For Taiwan readers it ties to parts, battery and chip supply chains: a shift in Japanese makers' electrification pace reshapes orders across the chain.