In 1999, Honda introduced the EV Plus with a range of 81 miles that launched as a lease-only car in California just in time for the start of the state’s zero-emission vehicle program. A decade later, Honda offered the all-electric version of the five-passenger Fit hatchback for three years. To date, Honda’s biggest foray into electric vehicles in the United States has been the trio of Clarity models that arrived in late 2016.

 

The best days for Honda EVs are ahead. In April 2020, the company announced that it was partnering with General Motors to produce two new EV models, culminating in the premiere of the 2024 Honda Prologue and its luxury counterpart, the Acura ZDX. Utilizing GM’s Ultium platform for its latest  EV models, Honda announced they will be releasing an EV on their own platform in 2025, bringing the Japanese manufacturer who created some of the most efficient hybrids on the market closer to a fully electric lineup.

Honda’s first EV in the US since the Clarity line was discontinued, the Honda Prologue shares its platform with GM vehicles, utilizing the Ultium platform, utilizing an 85 kWh battery and either front or all-wheel drive providing up to 288 horsepower. Taking advantage of 11.5 kW Level 2 charging and 155 kW DC fast charging, the Prologue will be a formidable competitor in the mid-sized electric SUV space when it goes on sale in early 2024.

The Honda Clarity launched in 2017 and was provided in EV, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell variants. Similar in size to the popular Honda Accord, the Clarity Electric incorporated a 25.5 kWh battery for up to 89 miles of range while the Clarity PHEV had a 17 kWh battery for up to 47 miles of all-electric range. The Clarity line led Honda’s electric vehicle ambitions until the PHEV was discontinued in 2019 and 2021 for the EV respectively.

Honda’s first EV in the US since the Clarity line was discontinued, the Honda Prologue shares its Ultium platform with GM vehicles,  an 85 kWh battery, and front or all-wheel drive options providing up to 288 horsepower. Taking advantage of 11.5 kW Level 2 charging and 155 kW DC fast charging, the Prologue brings the fight to other mid-size electric crossovers like the Chevy Blazer EV.