Honda has revealed the exterior and interior styling of its Prologue battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that will go on sale in North America in 2024. The model, with a SUV bodystyle, is one of the two BEVs which the Japanese carmaker will co-develop with GM.
GM will supply its flexible global BEV platform powered by its proprietary Ultium batteries, and also build the BEVs at its plants in North America. The second model is planned for launch in 2027, by which time the companies will be looking at the start of ‘global production of millions of BEVs.
The Honda design team based in Los Angeles is responsible for leading the styling of the Prologue. They came up with the ‘neo-rugged’ for the design direction, with some influence from the Honda e BEV model sold in Europe.
To further build the Honda EV brand identity, the ‘H-mark’ badge on the rear of the vehicle is replaced with the full Honda brand name in a stylized typeface that captures the modern and clean design of the Prologue. In addition, to align with Honda’s global EV models, the Prologue will adopt the brand’s e: series name badging.
Measuring 203 mm longer and 127 mm wider than the latest CR-V, the Prologue will be positioned above CR-V and alongside Passport. Sitting on a wheelbase of slightly more than 2 metres, the interior should be roomy with ample space for passengers and cargo. As with other recent Honda models, the cabin will be tech-rich with a standard fully digital 11-inch driver display panel and an 11.3-inch audio/connectivity display.
Honda’s research shows that hybrid-electric vehicle customers are among the first to move into full-electric (BEV) products. As such, the company will (in North America) be using its hybrid (or what is referred to as e:HEV in Malaysia) SUV models to ‘prepare’ customers for the transition. The Prologue will be available with all-wheel drive and aimed at active customers who want the versatility of an SUV with the zero emissions benefit of a BEV.
“We are not going to wait until 2024 to attract BEV buyers, because we see a natural progression for a CR-V customer to Prologue with its slightly larger size, larger interior and capable handling,” said Gary Robinson, Vice-President, Automobile Planning and Strategy at American Honda. “We will support that transition now by putting smart strategies in place with the CR-V hybrid, that will enable our customers to transition to a BEV.”
One approach will be a shorter-term 2-year lease for the model which will be available next month. This will enable a customer to easily transition into a Prologue when the new BEV launches in 2024. The company believes that increasing hybrid sales volume will help grow a future BEV customer base.
Honda will introduce 30 new EVs globally by 2030, with a targeted global sales volume of 2 million units. In North America, Honda aims to sell only BEVs by 2040.
