Honda electric vehicles represent a significant shift in the company’s portfolio, building on its legacy of innovation and engineering excellence. As of 2024, Honda is preparing to launch its new global EV series, the Honda 0 Series, with plans to introduce the first model in North America by 2026. With a substantial investment in electrification efforts, Honda is transitioning its lineup to include a range of electric vehicles, aiming for EVs and FCEVs to represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040.
| Honda | |
| Founded: | September 24, 1948 |
| Founders: | Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa |
| Employees | 204,035 (as of March 31, 2023) |
| Headquarters: | Tokyo, Japan |
| Manufacturing (Electric Vehicles): | North America, Japan, and China |
| IPO: | 1957 (Tokyo Stock Exchange) |
| EV Models: | Prologue, Honda 0 Series (Starting 2026) |
| Federal Tax Credit Eligibility: |
Honda’s Vision and Mission
Honda aims to lead the electric vehicle revolution by creating a new generation of EVs from the ground up. The company’s mission is to provide sustainable mobility solutions that are accessible to a wide range of customers while maintaining the performance, efficiency, and reliability Honda is known for.
The Evolution of Honda: From Motorcycle Innovator to Electric Pioneer
I apologize for the oversight. You’re right, the Honda Prologue should be included in this section. Here’s the revised version with the Prologue added:
Honda has a rich history dating back to 1948 when Soichiro Honda founded the company. Honda initially gained fame for its motorcycles before expanding into automobiles in the 1960s. Over the decades, Honda has been known for its innovative and reliable vehicles, including iconic models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V.
As the automotive landscape evolved, Honda adapted to changing consumer preferences and environmental regulations. The company introduced hybrid vehicles in the late 1990s with the Insight. In 2024, Honda took a significant step into the all-electric market with the launch of the Prologue, its first all-electric SUV for North America. The Prologue offers a competitive range of up to 296 miles and advanced features, marking Honda’s entry into the EV segment.
Building on this momentum, Honda is poised to enter a new era with its upcoming all-electric lineup, starting with the Honda 0 Series in 2026. This dedicated EV platform will represent Honda’s vision for the future of electric mobility.
Honda plans to invest approximately $66 billion USD in electrification efforts over the 10-year period through 2030. This strategy aims to establish Honda as a leader in the EV market and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the mass market. The introduction of the Prologue and the development of the 0 Series demonstrate Honda’s commitment to this goal, offering a range of electric vehicles to meet diverse consumer needs.
Honda’s Current & Upcoming Electric Vehicle Lineup
Honda Prologue (2024)
The 2024 Honda Prologue is the company’s first all-electric SUV for the North American market. It combines Honda’s commitment to quality and efficiency with advanced electric powertrain technology. The Prologue boasts a best-in-class standard EPA range rating of 296 miles for single-motor (2WD) models. It’s available in EX, Touring, and Elite trims, offering both single-motor (2WD) and dual-motor (AWD) configurations. The AWD models can generate up to 288 hp and 333 lb.-ft. of torque, providing responsive acceleration.
The Prologue features DC fast charging capability up to 150 kW, allowing for quick recharging on long trips. Inside, drivers will find a spacious interior equipped with Google built-in technology, enhancing connectivity and ease of use. Safety is a priority, with the Prologue including a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing features. The starting MSRP is $47,400 (excluding destination charge), making it competitive in the electric SUV market.
Pricing for the Prologue ranges from $47,400 for the base EX (2WD) model to $57,900 for the Elite (AWD) trim. EPA range ratings vary from 273 miles for the Elite (AWD) to 296 miles for the EX and Touring (2WD) models. Efficiency ratings are also impressive, with the most efficient models achieving 107/91/99 MPGe (City/Highway/Combined).
Honda 0 Series
Set to debut in North America in 2026, the Honda 0 Series will be the company’s flagship EV lineup. Based on the concept unveiled at CES 2024, this series promises to combine Honda’s commitment to performance and efficiency with electric powertrains. The 0 Series will be built on a “Thin, Light, and Wise” design philosophy, featuring a dedicated EV platform for mid to large-size vehicles.
Honda is targeting a range of more than 300 miles (EPA-estimated) for the 0 Series models. The vehicles will feature advanced aerodynamics for improved efficiency, performance, and sporty driving dynamics with a low center of gravity. The 0 Series will also incorporate advanced driver assistance and connected technologies, positioning it at the forefront of automotive innovation.
Future Small EVs
Looking beyond its current offerings, Honda plans to introduce small-size EVs in regions where there is demand. This includes personal-use mini-EV models slated for 2025 and small EVs emphasizing the “joy of driving” in 2026. While it’s unclear if these models will come to the US market, they demonstrate Honda’s commitment to diverse EV offerings that cater to various market needs and driving preferences.
Through this diverse lineup of current and upcoming electric vehicles, Honda aims to cater to a wide range of consumer needs while pushing forward its vision of an electrified future.
Electric Design and Engineering
Honda’s EVs are built on dedicated electric platforms, offering impressive performance and range. The Prologue utilizes a state-of-the-art electric vehicle platform with multi-link front and rear suspensions optimized by Honda engineers. The upcoming Honda 0 Series will utilize a new EV-specific architecture for flexible battery sizes, motor configurations, and vehicle types.
Honda is also investing heavily in battery technology and production capacity. The company plans to reduce battery costs in North America by more than 20% by 2030 compared to current costs. Honda is establishing joint ventures for battery production and key materials to build a vertically integrated and comprehensive EV value chain.
Brand Highlights and Differentiators
Performance: Honda continues its performance legacy with its EVs, as demonstrated by the Prologue’s sporty driving dynamics and the promise of advanced performance in the upcoming 0 Series.
Innovation: Honda EVs integrate advanced technologies like Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and comprehensive charging solutions.
Efficiency: The Prologue achieves best-in-class standard range, showcasing Honda’s commitment to efficiency. Future models, including the 0 Series, aim to build on this foundation.
Strategic Partnerships
Honda has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its electric vehicle offerings:
- LG Energy Solution: Joint venture for EV battery production in the US, with a plant set to begin production in 2025.
- GM: Collaboration on the Prologue and affordable EVs using GM’s Ultium platform.
- EVgo and Electrify America: Partnerships to provide comprehensive charging solutions for Prologue owners.
Manufacturing and Market Strategy
Honda is leveraging its global manufacturing footprint to produce EVs, with plants in North America, Japan, and China being prepared for electric vehicle production. The company is also establishing new EV-specific facilities, including a dedicated EV plant set to operational in Canada in 2028.
Honda’s EV strategy targets both mainstream and performance-oriented customers. By developing the new Honda 0 Series from the ground up, Honda aims to appeal to tech-savvy EV enthusiasts while attracting traditional Honda customers to the electric future.
The Prologue is Honda’s entry into the all-electric SUV market, complementing its award-winning SUV lineup. This strategic move allows Honda to gain a foothold in the EV market while preparing to launch its dedicated EV platform, the 0 Series.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Challenges:
- Intense competition from established automakers and EV startups
- Building a robust charging infrastructure
- Balancing the transition to EVs with continued production of ICE and hybrid vehicles
Opportunities:
- Leveraging Honda’s reputation for reliability and innovation in the EV space
- Expanding into new markets and segments with EV offerings
- Developing new revenue streams through connected car services and over-the-air updates
Electric Driver Conclusion: Honda Electric Vehicles
Honda is leveraging its rich automotive heritage and engineering prowess to drive its ambitious electrification strategy. The launch of the Prologue demonstrates Honda’s commitment to entering the EV market with a competitive offering. The upcoming 0 Series showcases the company’s long-term vision for electrification. Honda is positioning itself as a future leader in the EV transition by combining performance, innovation, and efficiency with sustainable electric powertrains. As Honda continues to expand its electric lineup and invest in battery technology and production capacity, it aims to shape the future of electric mobility. The vehicles embody the company’s core values of quality, reliability, and driving enjoyment.