Honda readies all-electric Prologue SUV

HONDA has today forecast annual sales in excess of 70,000 units for its upcoming all-electric Prologue SUV.

Slated to go on sale in the United States in 2024, the Prologue is expected to form a significant portion of Honda’s electrified vehicle sales push.

The Japanese brand says it anticipates EV sales in excess of 500,000 units by 2030 as it “advances its vision of 100 per cent zero emissions (vehicle) sales by 2040”.

The Prologue and subsequent EV models will rise from Honda’s new modular e-architecture it says is currently under development – the company is working on this with GM’s Ultium program that underpins the GMC Hummer range and upcoming Cadillac Lyriq.

Ultium’s battery pack utilises solid-state and cobalt-free electrolytes which enable ultra-fast charging and improved longevity. Range for the Prologue SUV is expected to top 700km from a full charge.

Honda has also confirmed a production version of its e:Prototype SUV concept will be revealed next month at the Wuhan motor show, with manufacturing to commence in 2022 at its Dongfeng Honda joint-venture plant in the same Chinese city.

GoAuto understands the Chinese-made SUV will be primarily for the domestic market and smaller than the Prologue, with dimensions similar to the CR-V mid-sizer.

As with other manufacturers globally, Honda’s zero emissions future is contingent on what it says are “fair and equitable” access to state and federal EV incentives intended to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles.

Built in North America, Honda’s Prologue will take a regional approach to sales stateside, focussing initially on zero-emissions and battery-electric vehicle friendly states including California, Texas, and Florida it says will represent the bulk of sales from launch.

Honda says other markets are under consideration as part of the company’s zero emissions push, but it is unclear if Australia is a part of Honda’s plans.

“Launching our first volume battery electric vehicle in 2024 is the start of an exciting new direction for Honda,” said Honda Motor Company executive vice president of national operations Dave Gardner.

“We are working with our dealers to plan the transition from sales of primarily gasoline-powered vehicles to selling 100 per cent electric vehicles by 2024.

“We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery electric vehicle in the future.

“Our strategy is focussed on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term, making a committed effort to achieving higher volume leading to the introduction of our Honda Prologue.”