Honda teases Prologue SUV as it accelerates electrification plan

Honda has issued a first rendering of its forthcoming Prologue electric SUV - which will form part of the brand’s plan to build up to two million electric cars a year by 2030. Although primarily aimed at the North American market, where Honda has yet to deliver a battery electric model, the Prologue is also likely to be on the radar of Honda Europe bosses.

The Prologue will be the first Honda electric car to be developed with General Motors and will be built on the US brand’s newly developed electric car platform. Earlier this year Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe confirmed that Honda want to build a dedicated electric car factory in the US and that it will take Ultium batteries supplied by GM.

Honda has previously said it will partner with GM to develop a new generation of what is describes as affordable, lower-priced electric cars based on a new platform. These will be in addition to a pair of SUVs, the first of which will be the 2024 Prologue. Ten of the new models will be launched in China, which is seen by many car makers as the most profitable in the short term.

The brand also announced that it was exploring the possibility of a separate joint venture with GM to build battery packs. Honda and GM have collaborated since 2013, initially working on hydrogen fuel cell systems. However, while both have been involved with the development of battery technology since 2018, Honda and GM have yet to make a serious impression in the electric car arena. Although GM’s Chevrolet brand has enjoyed success with the Bolt, its appeal has dwindled in recent years. Honda’s sole electric car, the e has won plaudits for its design, but failed to win over buyers in large numbers.

In the longer term, Honda is developing its own electric car platform, called e:Architecture. Bosses have recently confirmed that the first Honda production model to be based on the new underpinnings will arrive in 2026. These will be followed in 2027 by a new range of what Honda describes as ‘affordable EVs’ based on a second platform co-developed with General Motors.

While Honda’s plans will come as good news for fans of the brand, the Japanese giant has consistently downplayed the industry shift towards electrification. The brand will continue with its development of hydrogen fuel cells and has only committed to going fully electric by 2040.