Upcoming Debut of the Sports Hybrid Vehicle - Honda Prelude S+ with Shift Drive Technology
Honda has announced a strategic shift in its electrification timeline, focusing on hybrid vehicles and selective electric vehicle (EV) launches. This move comes as the Japanese automaker aims to maintain its place in the evolving automotive landscape.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, Honda unveiled two concept models in its groundbreaking Honda 0 Series: the Saloon and the Space-Hub. The production model of the Saloon is scheduled for release in 2026, and manufacturing will take place at the Ohio EV Hub.
One of the key highlights of Honda's electrification strategy is the return of the Prelude, one of the automaker's most storied nameplates. The new Prelude will be a hybrid-electric sports coupe, reviving Honda's sporty coupe legacy and targeting enthusiast buyers. The Prelude hybrid coupe is planned for launch in 2026.
Another significant development is the launch of the Honda Prologue, the brand's first all-electric SUV, which hit the market this year. Honda also announced the production of EVs built on its new dedicated platform, set to begin at its EV Hub in Ohio in late 2025.
However, Honda has cancelled development of a large electric SUV originally planned for 2027 in the U.S. market due to slowing EV demand and reduced incentives. The strategy pivots to a hybrid-first approach with selective EV launches under the "0 Series" software-defined vehicle initiative.
Honda has sold over one million electrified vehicles in the U.S., and this year, the company achieved record sales of electrified vehicles. Models like the Accord and CR-V have seen hybrid trims comprise over half of their sales. The newly introduced Civic hybrid is expected to reach 40% of Civic sales.
Honda aims for battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to account for 100% of its global sales by 2040. The automaker also aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050.
In summary, Honda's near-term electrification focus is on launching the Prelude hybrid and Prologue electric SUV in 2026, while shelving its previously planned large electric SUV for 2027. The strategy pivots to a hybrid-first approach with selective EV launches under the "0 Series" software-defined vehicle initiative, reflecting market uncertainties and demand shifts especially in North America.
- As part of its electrification strategy, Honda plans to enter the sports market with the new Prelude hybrid-electric sports coupe, targeting enthusiast buyers and reviving its sporty coupe legacy.
- Meanwhile, the automaker has already launched the Honda Prologue, its first all-electric SUV, and announced the production of EVs built on its new dedicated platform, set to begin at its Ohio EV Hub in late 2025.
- In the realm of finance, Honda aims for battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to account for 100% of its global sales by 2040, while striving for carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050, reflecting its commitment to the environment.
