It’s rare that Honda has used technologies developed by other companies for its own vehicles (not to say it has never at all) as the company’s own capabilities are considerable. At certain times in its past, it has made deals with other companies to take their products or exchange products out of necessity but those have only been for a short while.
For example, in the 1990s, when Honda had not yet fully started developing SUVs, it made a deal with Land Rover for the Discovery to be sold as a Honda Crossroad in Japan and New Zealand. For the US market, it had another deal with Isuzu for two of its models which were sold as the Honda Passport and Acura SLX.
But those were ‘badge-engineered’ models – industry-speak for just taking another carmaker’s product and changing the badge and a few cosmetic details. It was nothing new and today, it is even more common as companies try to have a presence in a segment where they may not have sufficient potential numbers to justify the high cost of developing a model on their own.
With EVs, it’s even more expensive and furthermore, there is a rush to electrify products to support the efforts to prevent irreversible climate change. Honda has set its target to sell only EVs (not even hybrids) by 2040 and while it was among the first carmaker with hybrid powertrains in mass-produced cars, it is still facing the challenges of developing battery electric models like other carmakers.
The smart move is to collaborate so costs can be shared and 3 years ago, Honda announced that it would start a joint development program with GM to develop 2 new Honda EVs. At that time, the American carmaker had almost completed development of its own flexible global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries.
There are also another connection in the background. The Ultium project itself is a joint venture between GM and Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES). Honda and LGES have also formed a partnership which will see the establishment of a factory in America to make lithium-ion batteries.
GM has already started using the Ultium platform for some new EV models of its Hummer, Cadillac and Chevrolet brands. As its factories are already set up for Ultium-based models, the new Honda EVs will also be built at one of them next year.
Whether this is a short-term partnership or a longer one is not known but for Honda, it would certainly help with R&D costs as it does not have to develop its own EV platform and batteries. The money saved can be used in the joint-venture with LGES and other areas of R&D.
The first model has now been unveiled as the Prologue, an appropriate name for a product to symbolize the key role it plays in the company’s electrification strategy, especially in North America. Simultaneously, the Acura brand will also have a model, the ZDX, which will use the Ultium platform as well but it will be a rear-wheel drive SUV whereas the Prologue will be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The design of the Prologue was handled by the Honda Design Studio in California. Designers at the facility in Los Angeles utilized virtual reality tools to create a simple and clean neo-rugged style.
The e-SUV is said to have a roomy interior and generous dimensions, including the longest wheelbase in its class. Compared to the latest CR-V, it is about 205 mm longer and about 127 mm wider.
As would be expected, aerodynamics have been optimized as much as possible to maximize efficiency and driving range, while reducing wind noise inside the cabin. Even the intricate design of the wheels and the curvature and departure angle of its rear spoiler minimize wake drag and reduce vortex.
To further build the Honda EV brand identity, the Prologue debuts with a newly designed Honda name badge in a stylized typeface. In addition, to align with Honda’s global EV models, Prologue adopts e: series badging (just as e:HEV is used for its models with hybrid powertrains).
The interior design philosophy follows the clean and simple layouts of current models with sleek horizontal lines. The uncluttered design, low, flat beltline and generous dimensions give the cabin an open and airy feeling, especially when equipped with the panoramic roof.
‘Must-have tech’ has been smartly integrated into Prologue’s sporty and modern cabin with a focus on the driver. The Prologue will be the first Honda SUV with Google built-in, which debuted on the latest Accord Touring. This provides direct access to digital services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more on Google Play.
The tech-rich cabin has 2 high-definition digital screens and some versions will a head-up display (HUD). To make it easier to use when the vehicle is in motion, the touchscreen incorporates a finger rest for the driver to steady their hand while making selections. The designers also gave extra attention to the operation of all switchgear and controls, and have installed large buttons and knobs.
To give the ‘emotional’ feel of driving, the Prologue’s custom-tuned Active Sound Control generates low to high frequency sounds linked to acceleration and deceleration. How aggressive the sounds will be remains to be seen though there are many who just can’t accept the attempts to replicate combustion engine sounds artificially.
While the platform is GM’s, Honda engineers have made sure the Prologue will have the feel which its customers are familiar with. A single motor will drive the front wheels and for the AWD version, there will be a motor on the rear axle as well.
Honda does not have the output numbers for the FWD model at this time but the AWD version will have an estimated 288 bhp/450 Nm. Like today’s Hondas with combustion engines, there will be a Sport mode which can boost performance. At the press of a button, there will be quicker throttle and steering response, firmer steering, increased braking power and other enhancements.
The battery pack will have lithium-ion chemistry and a storage capacity of 85 kWh. Recharging can be done with DC supply up to 155 kW and it is claimed that 10 minutes of charging time can provide up to 105 kms of range.
Toward its global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050, Honda will introduce 30 new EVs globally by 2030 with a global sales volume of 2 million units. In North America, Honda has laid out an aggressive timeline of EV introductions leading to 2030 and ultimately to its goal of 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040. After the Prologue goes on sale in 2024, a mid- to large-size EV model based on Honda’s own e: Architecture platform will go on sale in 2025.
To support its objectives in America, Honda is establishing an EV Hub in the state of Ohio. Several of its existing vehicle and powertrain plants will be to prepare for the production of battery electric vehicles in 2026. The Marysville Auto Plant where Honda began auto production in America in 1982,will be its first auto plant in the USA to transition to EV manufacturing.
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