In a sensational press conference, Toshihiro Mibe, CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., made a bold and controversial statement that shocked the global automotive world: “This new engine will completely destroy the electric car industry!”
Is this just a marketing gimmick or the beginning of a true technological revolution? According to Honda, it’s a revolutionary internal combustion engine powered by zero-carbon synthetic fuels, an innovation that could radically transform a market currently dominated by electric car giants like Tesla, BYD, and Rivian.
A revolutionary and climate-neutral technology
The unique feature of this engine is its ability to run on synthetic fuels derived from green hydrogen and captured atmospheric CO₂, creating a virtually emissions-free energy cycle. Mibe explains it this way: “We don’t want to compete with electric vehicles. We want to make them obsolete.”
Honda engineers claim this engine emits less than 10 percent of the CO₂ produced by conventional combustion engines, while avoiding major EV problems such as lithium shortages, battery recycling, and range anxiety.
A direct criticism of the electric car offensive
Honda’s announcement wasn’t just technical, but also ideological. Mibe criticized the global trend toward electric vehicles, calling it “a hasty and politically motivated solution that doesn’t take sustainability into account in a balanced way.”
I stressed that this new approach is more inclusive , particularly for developing countries that lack the infrastructure or resources needed for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
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Market reactions and shock waves
Since the announcement, Honda shares have risen 17% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, while those of major electric car manufacturers have fallen slightly. Industry analysts are already talking about a “paradigm clash” between full-scale electrification and the rise of synthetic fuel technologies.
Toyota, which has long promoted a diversified approach to clean mobility, welcomed the news. Tesla, however, remained uncharacteristically silent, an unusual move for CEO Elon Musk, known for his quick reactions on social media.
The end of the era of electric vehicles?
Although Honda’s new engine hasn’t yet entered mass production or received global certification, this development could spark a new technology war in the automotive industry. If Honda delivers on its promises, it could redefine not only the type of car we drive, but also the true meaning of “sustainable mobility.”
The world is watching closely. Will this engine be the panacea that will annihilate electric cars, or just another domino effect in the ongoing battle over the future of transportation? One thing is certain: Honda is back in the spotlight, and its reputation is stronger than ever.
