Honda Earlier this month, Tesla announced its new electric vehicle (EV) strategy at CES 2024.

The Japanese automaker showed off two electric concepts, providing insight into Honda’s evolving engineering philosophy as well as its new design language.

There’s more going on behind the scenes, with a production battery-powered sports car also in development. The Japanese automaker is reportedly developing an all-electric sports car that will serve as the flagship in the brand’s electric vehicle range.

Honda CEO Mibe Toshihiro Mibe revealed to British car magazine Autocar UK that the automaker intends to enter the sports car segment. He hinted that Honda is developing an electric sports car as the brand’s electric vehicle flagship.

This has sparked speculation that the Honda NSX will return as an all-electric halo car. According to reports, Mibe revealed that Honda’s R&D center has begun developing high-performance electric vehicles, which will become a key component of the 0-series electric vehicles and will be launched in 2026.

Honda’s CEO has yet to reveal more details about the company’s upcoming electric sports car. However, he said development of upcoming electric vehicles was moving forward. He also said that despite being an electric car, it will offer driving pleasure with a strong focus on driver engagement.

According to reports, if Honda’s next-generation design concept for the 0-series electric car is to be implemented, the upcoming sports car will have a low, cabin-forward silhouette. Additionally, reducing distractions will be a priority in the minimalist design of the cockpit.

The battery pack on the EV will be thinner than Honda’s current EVs. In addition, propulsion will be aided by an electric shaft drive system that combines the motor, inverter and gearbox into a compact unit to maximize interior space.

Without mentioning competitors specifically, Honda is also conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current electric sports car market.

Honda has teased two electric sports cars for 2022, one of which appears to be a potential replacement for the NSX. The Acura Electric Visual Design Concept introduced last year gave us another look at a potential electric NSX.