New US Honda Chief Not Confident in Full EV Expansion Trend
Why Honda is slowing down its electric push and what it means for drivers
Honda is going through a big leadership change in the United States, and it’s happening at a time when the auto world is full of uncertainty. Electric vehicles were supposed to take over quickly, but things are not moving as fast as many expected.
Honda Motor Co. has named Eiji Fujimura as the new CEO for its U.S. operations, starting April 2026. He is not new to the company. In fact, he has been handling finances as CFO, so he knows exactly where the company stands and where it is struggling.
And here’s the interesting part. Fujimura is being very real about electric vehicles. He is not fully confident that EV growth will continue at the speed everyone once predicted.
If you look around, it kind of makes sense. Yes, EVs are everywhere in the news, but when it comes to actually buying one, many people are still unsure. Prices are high. Charging stations are not always easy to find. And for everyday users, especially in places where long drives are common, EVs still feel a bit inconvenient.
Honda has felt this shift directly. The company recently reported a noticeable drop in profits, and weaker EV demand played a role in that. So instead of blindly pushing forward, Honda is taking a step back and asking a simple question. What do customers actually want right now?
The answer seems to be hybrids.
Hybrid cars give you better fuel efficiency without the stress of finding a charger. You still get the benefit of lower fuel usage, but with the reliability of a petrol engine. For many buyers, that feels like a safer and smarter choice at this stage.
This is why Honda is now focusing more on hybrids while keeping EV development alive in the background. They are not quitting EVs. They are just not rushing into it.
At the same time, Honda is also learning from other markets. In China, local car brands are moving very fast in the EV space. They are building affordable, tech-loaded cars that are attracting a lot of buyers. That has pushed companies like Honda to rethink their global strategy.
Instead of following one fixed path, Honda now wants to stay flexible. Different markets have different needs, and the company is trying to adapt accordingly.
Fujimura’s role will be important here. Since he comes from a finance background, he is expected to keep a close eye on spending, especially in areas like EV development where costs can go very high. His job is not just to grow the business, but to do it in a smart and sustainable way.
For the U.S. market, this approach could actually work in Honda’s favor. People still want reliable cars that are easy to live with. Not everyone is ready to go fully electric yet, and Honda seems to understand that better now.
So, while many automakers are racing toward an all-electric future, Honda is choosing a slower, more careful route. Whether this turns out to be the right decision or not, we will find out in the next few years.
One thing is clear though. Honda is listening more closely to its customers now, and that could make all the difference.
