[namegoeshere]

New Honda Prologue SUV Begins Next Chapter in Brand’s EV Direction in North America

Honda today announced that its first new volume battery-electric vehicle will be named “Prologue,” signaling a new electrified era that will lead to the company’s vision for 100% zero emission vehicle sales in North America by 2040.

hondanews.com

New Honda Prologue SUV Begins Next Chapter in Brand’s EV Direction in North America

June 28, 2021 — TORRANCE, Calif.

• New Honda Prologue EV to go on sale in North America in MY2024 as highly competitive SUV with functionality expected by Honda customers
• “Prologue” model name symbolizes 1st in a new series of volume Honda BEV models
• Honda targets 100% of auto sales in North America to be full electric by 2040
• Honda initiates communication strategy to engage prospective EV customers

Honda today announced that its first new volume battery-electric vehicle will be named “Prologue,” signaling a new electrified era that will lead to the company’s vision for 100% zero emission vehicle sales in North America by 2040. An all-new SUV coming to market in early 2024, the battery-electric Honda Prologue will be highly competitive with the functionality expected by Honda customers. More specific details about the new vehicle will be released over the coming months, and Honda will engage with prospective EV customers throughout the launch starting with a new webpage at 2024 Honda Prologue – Fully Electric SUV | Honda.

In addition to the Honda Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric Acura SUV in the 2024 calendar year. Both will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries based on the company’s strategic partnership with General Motors. Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models in the second half of the decade based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by Honda.

“Our first volume Honda BEV will begin our transition to electrification and the name Honda Prologue signals the role it will play in leading to our zero-emission future,” said Dave Gardner, executive vice president of American Honda. “The Prologue will provide our customers with a battery-electric SUV with the excellent functionality and packaging they’ve come to expect from Honda.”

In April 2021, Honda global CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, announced a vision to achieve carbon-neutrality for its products and corporate activities by 2050, including key targets for sales of electrified vehicles. This vision calls for the sales ratio of battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles in North America to progress from 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2035 to 100% by 2040. More details about that announcement, are available here.

Honda Electrified Vehicle History

Honda has a long history of leadership in bringing electrified vehicles to market in the U.S., beginning almost a quarter century ago with the EV Plus electric vehicle (1997); to America’s first hybrid, the Honda Insight (1999); the Honda FCX (2002), the industry’s first fuel cell vehicle in the hands of individual customers, and the Clarity series (2017). As Honda prepares for the launch of Prologue, the company will introduce hybrid-electric systems to more core models to continue to reduce CO2 emissions and bridge customers to the volume battery-elecric vehicles now in development.

“We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery electric vehicle in the future,” said Gardner. “Our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term, making a committed effort to achieve higher volume leading to the introduction of our Honda Prologue.”

Honda achieved record sales of electrified vehicles in each of the past three years, with that sales momentum continuing in 2021. Led by CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, Honda has just recorded its best-ever first-half year of electrified vehicle sales.

 

[namegoeshere]

2024 Honda Prologue Will Be a New EV SUV Model

Using GM's Ultium battery packs, this new electric crossover will also spawn an Acura luxury variant.

www.caranddriver.com

2024 Honda Prologue Will Be a New EV SUV Model

Jun 28, 2021

We now have a name for the new Honda EV that will arrive a few years from now: Prologue. Set to go on sale in calendar-year 2024, the 2024 Honda Prologue will be the first result of a partnership between Honda and General Motors on EV powertrains. It will use the same Ultium battery packs found in upcoming GM electric vehicles such as the GMC Hummer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq.

Honda hasn't yet shared exactly what size or shape the Prologue will take, but we expect it to be either a compact or mid-size SUV. The powertrain and platform will be made up of GM components, and Honda executive vice president Dave Gardner said that the biggest points of differentiation between the Prologue and GM EVs will be in its "top half"—its body design—and its interior.

The company says it chose the name Prologue to indicate that it is the first of many upcoming electric vehicles. The Acura luxury brand will also add a version of this EV in 2024, but that model's name hasn't yet been announced. Honda has said it plans to have EVs and fuel-cell vehicles make up 40 percent of its new-vehicle sales by 2030, 80 percent by 2035, and 100 percent by 2040.

We think the name is a bit ironic given how the Prologue's arrival is still several years away; Ford and Volkswagen already have new dedicated EV crossovers on sale today in the Mach-E and ID.4, and many more models such as the Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 are scheduled to arrive in the U.S. soon.

 

[AccorDokken]

Should change the name to Turdlogue... And then flush! 😂

 

[mtts60]

They lost me at

The powertrain and platform will be made up of GM components

 

[namegoeshere]

They lost me at

The powertrain and platform will be made up of GM components

Can't be any worse than when Honda and GM partnered up at the beginning of the century and GM (Saturn) decided to use Honda's J35 and craptastic automatic transmission in the Saturn Vue

The Shock of a Hondafied Vue

GM quietly slips a Honda motor into a Saturn and promptly confuses everybody.

www.caranddriver.com

which GM dropped a few years later

Vue drops Honda engines

This doesn't happen often: Honda Motor Co. has been let go as a supplier of engines to another automaker. General Motors is not renewing a contract with Honda and is replacing the 3.5-liter Honda-built V-6 used in the Saturn Vue since 2004. GM is offering two of its own V-6 engines in the...

www.autonews.com

because, you know, problems

Honda transmission problem...in a Saturn Vue

This might be an odd question to ask on an Accord forum, but this is the only Honda forum I frequent. My parents have a 2007 Saturn Vue with the Honda J35/5-speed automatic powertrain. They bought it because they wanted something made by a domestic brand, but they wanted Honda reliability...

www.driveaccord.net

 

[namegoeshere]

And in case you didn't know, Honda and GM worked together on fuel cell technology

Site Maintenance

that went into the FCX and FCX Clarity

They even have a manufacturing joint venture

GM, Honda team up on fuel cell systems

Companies will spend $85 million on joint venture based in GM’s battery plant in Brownstown Township, create 100 jobs

www.detroitnews.com

General Motors Co. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. equally split $85 million in investment to expand their fuel-cell partnership into a new manufacturing venture in southeast Michigan, the companies announced Monday.

Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC — the auto industry’s first joint venture for fuel-cell manufacturing — will operate inside GM’s battery pack assembly plant in Brownstown Township. The companies plan to mass-produce a hydrogen fuel-cell system to be used in vehicles starting around 2020. The work is expected to create nearly 100 jobs, the companies said.

 

[DerekWildstar]

Reminds me a little bit of the 90s, when Honda got caught flat-footed by the emerging SUV craze, and had to rebadge Isuzu products while their own vehicles worked their way off the design board. In my opinion, Honda completely missed the shift to electric vehicles, and are scrambling for something to fill the gap. I think it's safe to look at the GM-based products as bridge vehicles (which I'll avoid) until Honda comes out with their own from-the-ground-up electric fleet.

 

[namegoeshere]

Reminds me a little bit of the 90s, when Honda got caught flat-footed by the emerging SUV craze, and had to rebadge Isuzu products while their own vehicles worked their way off the design board. In my opinion, Honda completely missed the shift to electric vehicles, and are scrambling for something to fill the gap. I think it's safe to look at the GM-based products as bridge vehicles (which I'll avoid) until Honda comes out with their own from-the-ground-up electric fleet.

That's exactly what Honda's plan is

http://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan/articles/2021-06-28/honda-changing-course-will-build-its-own-electric-vehicles

Honda Changing Course, Will Build Its Own Electric Vehicles

June 28, 2021

DETROIT (AP) — Although General Motors will build Honda's first two fully electric vehicles for North America, the Japanese automaker plans to change course and manufacture its own later this decade.

Company officials say they're developing their own EV architecture, and after two GM-made EVs go on sale in 2024, Honda will start building its own.

 

[DerekWildstar]

That's exactly what Honda's plan is

http://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan/articles/2021-06-28/honda-changing-course-will-build-its-own-electric-vehicles

Honda Changing Course, Will Build Its Own Electric Vehicles

June 28, 2021

DETROIT (AP) — Although General Motors will build Honda's first two fully electric vehicles for North America, the Japanese automaker plans to change course and manufacture its own later this decade.

Company officials say they're developing their own EV architecture, and after two GM-made EVs go on sale in 2024, Honda will start building its own.

Right. I put my comment in the wrong thread - it was intended as a follow-up to your comment in the "Honda to Phase Out Internal Combustion..." thread, where it made a more logical response, as opposed to here, where it looks like I didn't read the news. Ah, the curse of multiple threads.

 

[Honda2014]

And in case you didn't know, Honda and GM worked together on fuel cell technology

Site Maintenance

that went into the FCX and FCX Clarity

They even have a manufacturing joint venture

GM, Honda team up on fuel cell systems

Companies will spend $85 million on joint venture based in GM’s battery plant in Brownstown Township, create 100 jobs

www.detroitnews.com

General Motors Co. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. equally split $85 million in investment to expand their fuel-cell partnership into a new manufacturing venture in southeast Michigan, the companies announced Monday.

Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC — the auto industry’s first joint venture for fuel-cell manufacturing — will operate inside GM’s battery pack assembly plant in Brownstown Township. The companies plan to mass-produce a hydrogen fuel-cell system to be used in vehicles starting around 2020. The work is expected to create nearly 100 jobs, the companies said.

Interesting. Now that the Clarity is getting axed, I wonder which vehicle will get the hydrogen fuel-cell system they’ve been working on.

Reminds me a little bit of the 90s, when Honda got caught flat-footed by the emerging SUV craze, and had to rebadge Isuzu products while their own vehicles worked their way off the design board. In my opinion, Honda completely missed the shift to electric vehicles, and are scrambling for something to fill the gap. I think it's safe to look at the GM-based products as bridge vehicles (which I'll avoid) until Honda comes out with their own from-the-ground-up electric fleet.

Yep, I too think they totally miscalculated the society’s unexpected (like some of us did) rapid acceptance and welcoming of the EVs. They were innovative and had enough foresight to make a PHEV Accord during the 9th gen Accord, but left it alone after an unsuccessful attempt. They really need to get going with it, or they will really get left behind by the competition. Three years sounds short, but by then probably half or at least 1/3 of the lineups of their completion will already be electrified...

With that said, I too hope that Honda will be making their own EVs and using their effort with GM to produce bridge vehicles (prologue and that Acura SUV) like you mentioned, so the quality (and reliability) of their cars aren’t affected too much. The thing is, they need to get going and cannot afford to wait too long. If not, they will be left behind and play catch up games even if they do come out with solid EVs of their own a few years after 2024. It’s game on for Honda.

 

[Honda2014]

Just saw this on YouTube.

I know it’s early, but even the concept of the Prologue looks good!

Well, they just need two more doors and perhaps smaller wheels. 😂

 

[namegoeshere]

Another YouTuber trying to get views and likes by tricking people into thinking a previously revealed concept designed for China market is the concept for the Prologue. SMH

Honda Shows a New Electric SUV in Concept Form

The SUV e:concept previews an eventual production model for China, but we don't know at this point what it might foretell for the U.S.

www.caranddriver.com

Honda Shows a New Electric SUV in Concept Form

Sep 28, 2020

Honda will soon be expanding its EV lineup, at least in China, with a new SUV model that's previewed by this SUV e:concept. Shown at the Beijing auto show, this appears to be a design study above all else, as Honda hasn't provided any mechanical details other than the fact that this crossover is powered by an electric drivetrain.

The SUV e:concept looks like a traditionally shaped compact crossover, and it doesn't have the same cute styling seen on Honda's other EV offering, the Honda e. Instead, it has an angular front end with a large "H" logo and no grille opening, and a somewhat rakish greenhouse. The concept model appears to be a two-door configuration, but we expect the production version to be a four-door, five-seat SUV.



Waiting for another YouTuber to pass off the e : Prototype as the Prologue concept .

Honda SUV e (Prototype)

Hey y'all! This was just revealed at the Shanghai auto show, and this particular model isn't coming to the US, but I think it might offer us a look into the future of Honda electrification designs. It's called the SUV e and it's just a prototype, so they'll probably change the name for the...

www.driveaccord.net

 

[DARKART]

Ugly. How about an EV the size of an EF Civic?

 

[Honda2014]

Wait, so if both are photos of the SUV e concept in China instead of the Prologue, where are the concept photos of the Prologue?

 

[Ash051]

I hope it ends up looking like the SUV e concept, because I really liked that! The only problem is... I'm still not interested in an EV, and I don't think I ever will be. There are too many unanswered questions that I'm doubtful will ever be answered to my satisfaction.

I still think Honda's goal of 100% electric by 2040 is too ambitious for the market, although it's nice to see them start progress towards some kind of green-er future goal.
(Psst, Honda... EV's are STILL only really green at the tailpipe!).

Wait, so if both are photos of the SUV e concept in China instead of the Prologue, where are the concept photos of the Prologue?

I don't think there are any yet. When it was first announced, I tried finding a photo, and didn't come up with anything. Kinda disappointing, but I guess we'll just have to be patient!

 

[AccorDokken]

Wait, so if both are photos of the SUV e concept in China instead of the Prologue, where are the concept photos of the Prologue?

There are none.

 

[namegoeshere]

(Psst, Honda... EV's are STILL only really green at the tailpipe!).

It's not just the tail pipe. EV's have lower maintenance than ICE vehicles (e.g. no oil to change, longer lasting brakes and rotors due to regenerative braking, etc).

Are Electric Cars Really Better for the Environment?

EVs produce fewer emissions overall than their gas-powered counterparts, but there are caveats

www.wsj.com

And that ^ is not even factoring in the long term social costs.

Professors explain the social cost of carbon

In a Q&A, Stanford economists discuss the importance of this number and its role in creating environmental policies.

news.stanford.edu

 

[Mr. Slowly]

I can't currently imagine what it would take to get me in a battery car, but I doubt anyone will even begin talking about bringing it to market for 10 years, and that's only if BEVs completely dominate the market in that time like some people think. Four years ago, my top considerations while searching for the car that would eventually become my Accord were, in no particular order: seat comfort, stick shift, engine note, coupe/sedan. What could a BEV offer to move me? And I never see my top BEV concern discussed. Consumers have been tanking the value of used hybrid cars for years due to the finicky long term reliability of the battery. I go through considerable effort to ensure the batteries in my 5-year-old laptop last long term, but I've lost 9% capacity on one and 15% on the other. In a car, that would be the difference between 300 and 264 miles. An average range and a thimble-tanked sportscar. Why would I put up with that in my most expensive asset?

 

[Honda2014]

I can't currently imagine what it would take to get me in a battery car, but I doubt anyone will even begin talking about bringing it to market for 10 years, and that's only if BEVs completely dominate the market in that time like some people think. Four years ago, my top considerations while searching for the car that would eventually become my Accord were, in no particular order: seat comfort, stick shift, engine note, coupe/sedan. What could a BEV offer to move me? And I never see my top BEV concern discussed. Consumers have been tanking the value of used hybrid cars for years due to the finicky long term reliability of the battery. I go through considerable effort to ensure the batteries in my 5-year-old laptop last long term, but I've lost 9% capacity on one and 15% on the other. In a car, that would be the difference between 300 and 264 miles. An average range and a thimble-tanked sportscar. Why would I put up with that in my most expensive asset?

You’re making great points. None of my top priorities in a car are exclusive to an electric car either: comfort, decent handling/steering feel, decent performance, fuel economy and reliability.

I do think, one of the main factors / attractions brought about by the most popular EVs, namely Tesla, is the fact that most equate it with luxury. Not only that, the kind that produces no CO2 unlike competitors of other luxury cars with good old internal combustion engines that produce massive pollution. Sure, its faster 0-60 times than 95% of the road cars today are also a main attraction for some. So basically, name recognition and straight line performance.

For me, I think the most practical solution for now is PHEV. Both environmental concerns and fuel range are covered with such a solution. The thing is, these cars aren’t cheap either, and with the introduction of Model 3, people can easily get into a base Model 3 for below 40k. With one being faster and has better name recognition, the choice becomes easy.

With that said, personally I won’t get a full EV until there’s no new ICE cars for sale. PHEVs and conventional hybrids are a different story. FCEVs are also a great idea. But I won’t get one unless I move to California. It’s just way too impractical for most because the infrastructure simply isn’t in place.

 

[Ash051]

In a car, I just want something that starts up every time when I need it to, and gets me from point A to point B reliably, safely, comfortably, and in style! Fill-up speed is also high on the list. Gasoline is fast. Hydrogen is fast. As of right now, EV charging is not. I don't want anything that plugs in to charge for longer periods of time than it takes to fill gasoline, so I'd be unlikely to pay the upcharge for a PHEV model either, since I'd never make use of that plug-in capability unless I actually had to. I do agree that PHEV models are a good combo all around, but like I mentioned about myself, there will be people who will never use the plug-in capabilities, so that kind of decreases their potential positive impact.

This is the main reason why I'm so hyped about FCEV's. They still have battery production/disposal concerns, but they're fast to fuel up- therefore eliminating one of my main concerns of EV's. They are really similar to gasoline cars, only cleaner.
But I know you guys have all heard my pro-hydrogen mini speeches before, lmao.

Personally, if FCEV's ever come to the rest of the US, I'd buy one for my next car! If they don't, then I would strongly consider a conventional hybrid. After that, I would consider a PHEV. But I would also not buy an EV unless it was the only option available.