On Monday, American Honda Motor announced that it will name its first new volume battery-electric vehicle as “Prologue.” Accordingly, the automaker is looking to signal a new electrified era; particularly one that will lead to its vision for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales in North America by 2040.
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In this regard, the Honda Prologue will be an all-new SUV coming to market in early 2024. Besides, this battery-electric car will be highly competitive with the functionality expected by Honda customers, the Company noted in a news release.
The company will release more specific details about the new vehicle over the coming months. Besides, Honda will engage with prospective EV customers throughout the launch, starting with a new web page.
More EV Plans
Similarly, the company announced that it will introduce an all-electric Acura SUV in the 2024 calendar year in addition to the Honda Prologue. Accordingly, both vehicles will utilize the highly flexible global Ultium batteries EV platform; particularly, this one is based on the company’s strategic partnership with General Motors.
Additionally, Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models in the second half of the decade based on a new e:Architecture.
In this regard, Dave Gardner, executive vice president of American Honda, said in a media release; “Our first volume Honda BEV will begin our transition to electrification. Also, the name Honda Prologue signals the role it will play in leading to our zero-emission future.”
Indeed, “the Prologue will provide our customers with a battery-electric SUV with the excellent functionality; also, the packaging they’ve come to expect from Honda,” added Gardner.
Honda on achieving carbon-neutrality
To recall, in April 2021, Honda global CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, announced a vision to achieve carbon-neutrality for its products and corporate activities by 2050. Particularly, this commitment included setting critical targets for sales of electrified vehicles.
Therefore, this vision called on the company’s North American subsidiary for the sales ratio of battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to progress; particularly, from 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2035 to 100% by 2040.
Indeed, the company has a long history of bringing electrified vehicles to market in the U.S. For instance, the Company began its efforts almost a quarter-century ago with the EV Plus electric vehicle (1997). Also, with the delivery of America’s first hybrid, the Honda Insight (1999), and the industry’s first fuel cell vehicle in the hands of individual customers, the Honda FCX (2002).
Accordingly, Gardner added; “We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery-electric vehicle in the future.” However, “our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term; also, making a committed effort to achieve higher volume leading to the introduction of our Prologue.”
Worth noting, the company achieved record sales of electrified vehicles in each of the past three years; indeed, that sales momentum continues in 2021.
