Honda’s fully-electric ambitions are in gear with the latest sketch of its first electric SUV built from the ground up being unveiled. The 2024 Honda Prologue is co-developed with General Motors (GM) and is expected to be built on the GM BEV3 platform which is currently used on the Cadillac Lyriq.
GM Ultium batteries and modular platforms shown
Besides the platform, another shared technology between the Big H and the American General is the powertrain which will see the Prologue utilising GM’s Ultium electric motors and batteries.
Still, it might not be a rebadge based on the official rendering of the electric SUV. The team at Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles has given what is described in the press release as a “long wheelbase, shorter overhang and a strong stance outfitted with a capable tyre”.
The team also focused on aerodynamics by fine-tuning the body with a simple surface direction and fewer lines to improve range and reduce cabin noise. One of the inspirations for the Prologue’s design is the Honda e but we sense a hint of the Chevrolet Silverado EV too.
The Cadillac Lyriq, the Honda Prologue's “sister” car
From the looks of things, the Prologue might be a bit too big for Malaysia but in America, it could be categorised as a mid-size crossover/SUV which is either a D- or E-segment. The Lyriq which was launched a month ago interestingly falls under the mid-size segment despite being almost as long as the Cadillac Escalade.
Honda Pilot, the CR-V's bigger American brother that would order a large cheeseburger with a side of Diet Coke
Whether the Prologue would be closer to a full-size crossover or just positioned around the size of the Honda Pilot, the largest Honda crossover in North America, will only be revealed much later.
It would take 2 years though but the Prologue’s launch will be Phase 1 of Honda’s aggressive timeline of EV introductions in North America.
Phase 2 will begin in 2026 with the start of production and sales of Honda models based on the new Honda e:Architecture whereas Phase 3 will begin in 2027 with a new series of affordable EVs that will be based on a new vehicle architecture that is co-developed with GM.
Honda doesn't sell any EVs in America, the hydrogen-powered Clarity as shown is only leased to buyers in select states
Based on these three phases, Honda plans to sell nearly 500,000 EVs in North America by 2030 as well as a 100% zero-emission line-up by 2040.
Keyword: 2024 Honda Prologue teased, upcoming rival to the BZ4X co-developed with GM