I really feel like I’ve mentioned it numerous instances, and it turns into more true every time: shoppers are in search of good, cheap electrical autos from manufacturers they belief. The Honda Prologue exemplifies this demand.
Initially, many trade observers, critics, and Honda fans underestimated the Prologue. In any case, it is not strictly a Honda product; beneath, it is a Basic Motors EV that has been redesigned and fine-tuned by Honda, full with some distinctive software program changes. Skeptics believed it could be merely a modest providing from a Japanese automobile producer hesitant about EVs, viewing it as a compliance car or a public relations effort to masks Honda’s lag within the electrical market.
However these opinions have been misguided. The Prologue is carving its personal path to success with spectacular specs, dimension, engaging offers, and Honda’s initiative to boost the bundle by together with a house or transportable charger and overlaying some set up prices.
Honda’s gross sales figures for 2024 point out that 33,017 Prologue EVs have been offered, which is kind of an achievement for a mannequin that did not launch extensively till mid-year. Remarkably, it outpaced the marginally bigger, gas-powered Passport by roughly 500 models.
Most notably, the Prologue emerged because the top-selling mannequin amongst all GM EVs, surpassing the Equinox EV (28,874 offered), Blazer EV (23,115), and even the Cadillac Lyriq (28,402) in 2024. If these traits persist into 2025, the Prologue might turn out to be one of many main EV crossovers, following the still-popular Tesla Mannequin Y, alongside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
It appears Honda is onto one thing important. This is not stunning contemplating the Prologue’s specs. It delivers a well-recognized, typical automobile expertise, full with conventional door handles. The Prologue is powered by an 85-kWh battery pack and presents front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, with a spread of 273 to 296 miles relying on the trim and tools. Its most charging velocity is a modest 155 kW, and Honda claims it could cost from 20% to 80% in about 35 minutes utilizing an acceptable quick charger. Furthermore, with Honda offering a Stage 2 residence charger, a Stage 1 or 2 transportable charger, or credit for public fast-charging, house owners have diverse choices for “fueling” their electrical autos.
Whereas some might criticize the Prologue for its GM-derived basis, one should ask: do most shoppers even know this, and do they care? GM’s Ultium platform is proving more and more succesful throughout varied segments, from household crossovers to luxurious autos and pickups. Moreover, Honda’s dealerships are typically well-regarded for his or her customer support, making the Prologue an interesting possibility no matter its origins.
Previous analysis has proven that many American shoppers understand Japanese automakers, recognized for his or her pioneering work in hybrid know-how, as leaders within the electrical car market as nicely. Whereas that notion is not fully correct at present, it underscores the will for reliable and reliable EV choices from established manufacturers.
Honda is working diligently to advance its personal EV know-how and can showcase new developments quickly at CES. As the corporate charts its electrical future, it ought to pay shut consideration to the success of the Prologue, because it represents a compelling entry out there.
Contact the writer: patrick.george@insideevs.com
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