Honda is advancing hybrid technology with its latest breakthrough focused exclusively on the upcoming CR-V e:HEV, the brand’s flagship hybrid SUV. This model will be the first—and only—Honda vehicle to feature the company’s newly developed electric all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, designed to enhance fuel efficiency alongside delivering a smoother, more responsive, and stable driving experience across diverse road conditions.
Unlike Honda’s existing mechanical AWD systems, such as the Real Time AWD that use a propeller shaft to transfer power to the rear wheels, the new system is fully electric. It integrates a dedicated 50-kilowatt rear electric motor with the front electric drive unit, both coordinated by Honda’s proven two-motor hybrid platform. This setup dynamically switches between EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive modes depending on driving needs.
The electric AWD system allows the CR-V e:HEV to distribute torque independently to all four wheels, resulting in notable improvements in acceleration, traction, and handling. From a standstill, both front and rear motors engage simultaneously to maximize grip and boost initial acceleration. During cruising, power distribution prioritizes efficiency, while in corners or on slippery roads, torque is adjusted in real-time to maintain vehicle stability and control.
A new high-speed, high-precision traction control system (TCS) debuts alongside the AWD system, operating independently of traditional vehicle stability assist (VSA). Instead of a central electronic control unit managing slip through brakes or engine cuts, dedicated motor ECUs at each axle respond instantly by modulating motor torque. This targeted response minimizes overcorrection and power loss.
For example, on a slippery uphill slope, a mechanical AWD system might reduce torque to both axles, limiting forward momentum. Honda’s electric AWD TCS, however, only reduces power to slipping wheels, preserving traction on others to keep the vehicle moving smoothly even under challenging conditions.
Honda’s CR-V e:HEV also pioneers regenerative braking on both front and rear wheels—an industry first for the brand’s hybrid SUVs. This four-wheel regenerative system improves energy recovery while minimizing nose dive and maintaining balance during deceleration, particularly on winding roads or emergency stops, enhancing overall ride comfort and control.
Removing the central propeller shaft also benefits interior space, allowing for a flatter cabin floor and increased rear legroom. Additionally, relocating the lithium-ion battery from the cargo floor beneath the rear seats lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity and expands trunk space—key advantages for families and cargo-heavy trips.
Honda engineers have further optimized the hybrid system to respond intuitively to load shifts during cornering. When entering a turn, regenerative braking applies to the rear wheels to help keep the vehicle level and improve steering precision. Mid-turn, torque is shifted to rear wheels, reducing front tire strain and maintaining grip. As the vehicle exits the turn and weight shifts rearward, power delivery increases to the rear wheels to sustain traction and avoid sliding, enhancing driver confidence and safety.
This sophisticated electric AWD system will debut exclusively on the new CR-V e:HEV, signaling Honda’s direction for future electrified vehicles: hybrid technology that prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing driving excitement or assurance.
Honda has not yet confirmed official launch dates or initial markets for the CR-V e:HEV with electric AWD. However, the rollout is expected to prioritize hybrid-friendly regions such as Japan, Europe, and North America before expanding to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
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