The 𝗣 𝗥 𝗢 𝗟 𝗢 𝗚 𝗨 𝗘 ⚡ – Honda’s First Ever Battery Electric SUV
The BEV/ Battery Electric Vehicles will become the new normal soon, and many car companies have started their onslaught in this direction. Honda introduced a compact electric hatchback, “Honda e, “for the limited European market and not a successful Honda Clarity EV in North America. Honda’s plans for EVs are under work, and last year Honda shared that they have chosen the name “PROLOGUE” for their first mass-market BEV/ Battery electric vehicle arriving in 2024 in North America. The first vehicle will be a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV); no surprises here, as that, is the segment everyone is looking for.
Honda’s Plan in North America
Honda North America will start its electrification plan vision 2040 [ Zero Emission ] by 2024, with the release of two vehicles, both SUVs, under Honda and its sub-brand Acura. Both these SUVs will result from Honda’s joint venture with General Motors, with “Prologue” from Honda, while probably a “ZDX” under Acura, although the name is not yet confirmed.
Honda will utilize General Motors BEV3/ EV platform powered by Ultrium batteries. Honda defines the Prologue as an “adventure-ready SUV capable of satisfying everyday driving and weekend getaways.” Honda Design Studio USA will be responsible for styling, exterior, interior, and other packaging. Still, under the skin, the vehicle will be 100% General Motors and also be built by GM at their facility with Honda model at GM Mexico while Acura EV at GM Tennessee USA. In the same place, GM is making Cadillac Lyriq EV.
Teaser of Honda Prologue
Honda shared a teaser of their upcoming PROLOGUE a few months ago but Honda North America has now released official interior and exterior details. The Honda model is fully based on the Chevy Blazer EV, but visually, Honda spent a good amount of time to give their product an exclusive look and its brand identity. With a length of 192 inches and width of 78.3 inches, this is 8-inch longer and 5-inch wider than the new 5th Gen Honda C segment CR-V.
Mind you, with no engine on the front and EV platform, the Prologue has a stretched wheelbase of 121.8-inch, and that means it is around 9.6-inch more than the new Land Cruiser or has 13.8-inch longer wheelbase than the Toyota Fortuner. Prologue similarities to Chevy Blazer EV are also evident because it has the same wheelbase.
Exterior
On the exterior, it has adopted new styling, and Honda calls it a “Modern design with neo-rugged aesthetics. ” The official release of photos shows the ELITE trim level, which is Honda’s top-of-the-line fully loaded version and is fitted with massive 21″ wheels. New frontal and rear design philosophy with a clean and simple exterior.
The model has a coupe-like styling with slopped roof and reduced rear glass panel surface area, similar to the Chevy Blazer EV. On the rear, you might see something like Range Rover Evoque, but again it’s subjective. On the rear, Honda has removed the “H” logo and replaced it Honda spelled out.
Interior
As for the interior, besides being technology-rich, you can expect enormous passenger volume thanks to the extensive wheelbase. As for dashboard layout, we see the impression of other current Honda models, like the floating 11.3-inch infotainment screen.
There will also be an 11-inchi driver fully digital HD information cluster. Some of the other controls in the Prologue seem similar to the new Civic or CR-V. The images show a full panoramic roof, high-quality leather seating, and a premium Bose audio system. Honda didn’t release details about all the features and amenities, but we can expect that Honda will tick all boxes.
Expected Power
Honda didn’t share any details regarding battery, motors, power, or range, but we can expect it like Chevy a, with FWD, RWD, or AWD. Depending upon battery size and powertrain configuration, a 400-kilometer to 520-kilometer range on a single change is possible.
There might be an onboard 11.5-kW Level 2 charger and possibly 190-kW DC fast charging capabilities. In Chevy Blazer EV, within 10 minutes, the battery can be charged to cover a distance of 126 kilometers. Btw, Chevy also offers a dual motor performance version of the Chevy Blazer EV “SS” with 557HP & 878NM of Torque. I think Chevy will keep such configuration to their brand only, and we will not see any such setup for Honda Prologue.
Expected Launch & Price
We will know the full specifications and technical details of the US-built domestic model Prologue at the time of official sales in the United States in early 2024. We can expect pricing to start around $45,000 while fully loaded can touch $55,000 before any Federal+ State government incentives in the United States [approx. $10,000].
Honda plans to develop multiple BEVs under their Zero Emission plan, and for that, Honda is also expanding their EV platform known as E-Architecture, but till then, Honda will rely on GM. The GM EV basis is a flexible platform that can be utilized to develop small cars and full-size vehicles like pickup trucks with battery sizes from 50 to 200kWh and an electric range of more than 640 kilometers. Honda might switch to their platforms for specific models while still using GM technology.
So, what are your thoughts on Honda’s upcoming Prologue?