In addition to new propulsion systems, the EV revolution is delivering previously unbelievable innovations, especially Honda’s Prologue.
Announced overnight, the Prologue is an all-electric crossover and the company’s first serious tilt in the US electric vehicle market, but that’s not the most remarkable thing about it.
The preamble is also the first fruit of the partnership with GM. Beneath the car’s exterior is General’s Ultium dedicated electric vehicle architecture, as well as the American automaker’s battery technology.
Indeed the Prologue, along with the closely related part Acura ZDXwill be produced at the GM plant.
In addition to the Prologue and ZDX, Honda will launch a “new series of low-cost electric vehicles co-developed by GM” starting in 2027.
As early as 2026, Honda is also planning to start producing and selling vehicles based on the US e: Architecture that is being developed internally. The Japanese automaker gave us a preview of what these might look like with e: N GT, e: N Coupe and e: N SUV.
Honda calls the Prologue’s styling “neo-rugged”. To our eyes, it looks like a longer and prettier version of US HR-Vwill probably be sold in Australia and the rest of the world as the ZR-V.
There’s also a dash of Range Rover Evoque at the rear, especially with the taillight graphic, which incorporates the company’s H logo in place of a new word sign.
The interior of the Prologue is a bit lackluster of the latest stuff civicand comes standard with an 11.0-inch instrumentation display and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Available features include 21-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass roof.
Measuring 4877mm long, 1989mm wide, 1643mm tall and riding on a 3094mm wheelbase, the Prologue fits between 4.7m CR-V and Pilot size 4.94m.
According to Honda, the Prologue will sit alongside the petrol-only 4.84m Passport – essentially a Pilot with a truncated rear end and only five seats – in the company’s Statesside range.
With the Prologue not going on sale in the US in 2024, Honda is keeping the details of its powertrain and battery options private for now.
Since it shares a wheelbase with Chevrolet Blazer EVIt is safe to assume that the Prologue is its two layers under its skin.
The Blazer is available with a variety of powertrain options, including front-, rear- and all-wheel drive variants. The SS model tops the range with an impressive 415kW and 878Nm of power at its disposal.
Depending on the engine used and the battery used, the Blazer will have a driving range of 398 km to 515 km.
Currently, Honda has only confirmed that it “will be available with all-wheel drive”.
It is not yet known when or if Honda will bring down any of its planned EVs, whether they are internally developed models, such as the Euro-standard E hatch or the GM joint venture.
At the end of last year, the branch of Honda in Australia said CarExpert the company is focusing on create its local hybrid scope before shifting focus to EVs.
THAN: Honda Australia – Electric cars ‘not in our plans’ for at least 18 months
THAN: Chevrolet Blazer EV launched
