Honda is venturing into the U.S. electric vehicle market with help from General Motors.
The Japanese automaker recently presented its debut electric SUV, emphasizing a revitalized commitment to fully electric cars alongside its successful gas-electric hybrids. However, the 2024 Prologue is just an initial phase in Honda’s expansive EV journey. This vehicle is a collaborative effort with General Motors Co., manufactured in a GM factory, and integrates essential components like GM Ultium batteries.
The mid-sized SUV serves as a precursor to EVs Honda intends to produce in its Ohio plants, powered by batteries from a new $4.4 billion collaborative factory with LG Energy Solution Ltd. These batteries will be pivotal as Honda launches a range of electric models, with production commencing in late 2025.
Honda’s Prologue launch represents a significant pivot from their previous skepticism about American consumers’ enthusiasm for EVs. CEO Toshihiro Mibe is now aiming to introduce 30 new battery-electric models worldwide and targeting 500,000 EV sales in North America by 2030.
Historically, Honda’s attempts to introduce fully electric vehicles in the U.S. have been challenging, with three models launched and subsequently discontinued between the late 1990s and 2020. Unlike its predecessors, the Prologue is North American-produced.
Priced in the upper-$40,000 bracket with a battery life of about 300 miles per charge, the Prologue is set to compete with Tesla Inc.’s Model Y and other Asian EV brands such as Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia Niro.