Honda reportedly canceled development of a large electric SUV for the US market.
The automaker has shifted focus toward hybrid models that are in higher demand.
A midsize Honda 0 Series SUV and sedan remain on schedule for 2026 US launch.
As more buyers gravitate toward hybrids over fully electric vehicles, automakers are rethinking their EV roadmaps. Among them is Honda, which has reportedly shelved plans for a large electric SUV intended for the US market as it reevaluates its electrification strategy.
The decision seems tied to the slower-than-expected pace of EV adoption in the US. A recent tax bill passed under the Trump administration may have also played a role, rolling back key EV incentives and making electric models less appealing to cost-conscious buyers.
Cost Challenges and Changing Priorities
According to a report from Nikkei Asia, development and procurement costs for larger EVs are significantly higher, mainly due to the size and expense of the battery packs. Honda appears to have concluded that the financial risk of launching a large EV in this environment wasn’t worth taking, especially with the model originally scheduled for a 2027 debut.
The now-canceled SUV was meant to round out a lineup that includes a midsize electric SUV and sedan, both of which have already appeared in near-production form and are still expected to launch in 2026 as part of Honda 0 Series concepts. Honda’s broader plan was to offer seven EVs in the US by 2030, a target that now looks less certain.
Between 2027 and 2031, Honda aims to introduce 13 new-generation hybrids worldwide, targeting 2.2 million hybrid sales by 2030. This lineup will include a new large SUV designed specifically for the North American market, which could effectively replace the scrapped electric version.
Earlier this year, we reported a notable uptick in Honda Prologue sales, with a 963% increase in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Still, total sales stood at just 16,318 units, making it the lowest-selling model in Honda’s US portfolio. Despite the sharp percentage gain, the numbers underscore the ongoing challenges in the EV segment.
Of course, Honda is not the only automaker that has delayed its EV plans. Nissan has canceled two EVs originally planned to be produced in the US, Ford has paused development of large EVs, while Toyota has postponed the production of a large electric SUV from 2026 to 2028.
The carmaker has sold 16,318 Prologues through the first half of the year.
In June alone, Honda sold 2,799 Prologues, a huge spike from last year.
Buyers also appear to be flocking to the recently updated Passport and Odyssey.
Honda saw its sales increase in the United States through the first six months of the year. Sales data shows that some of the brand’s long-standing models are continuing to sell well, while some newer additions to the Honda range are also proving popular, including the updated Odyssey, Passport, and the all-electric Prologue.
Starting with the Prologue, a total of 2,799 examples found new homes in June. This represented a massive 237.2 percent spike from the 830 sold in June 2024. Year-to-date sales have also jumped by a huge 963 percent from 1,535 examples to 16,318 through the first half of 2025.
However, while the Prologue is selling well compared to the same period last year, it’s not smashing monthly sales records. In fact, in November 2024 alone, Honda sold 6,823 Prologues in the United States as shoppers rushed to get their hands on the new model. Additionally, the Prologue has been Honda’s lowest-selling model through the first half of 2025. Evidently, a large proportion of Honda buyers remains uninterested in an electric SUV, but the trend is still positive.
Sales of the Honda Passport are proving particularly strong this year. 4,433 were sold this June, a 67.7 percent rise from the 2,644 sold in June 2024. Year-to-date sales are also up 66.1 percent to 27,068 from 16,293. Honda didn’t break down how many of the Passports sold were the older model, and how many were for the 2026 version, which started to arrive at dealerships in February.
Honda USA Sales
Honda’s Odyssey is also performing well. It was updated roughly twelve months ago, and through the first half, 50,033 were sold, a 27.4 percent rise from last year. Sales soared 38.1 percent in June to 9,542.
In total, Honda managed to sell 670,765 vehicles in the first half of 2025, a 7.1 percent rise. In June, it sold 103,574, a 1.2 percent rise. Over at Acura, its year-to-date sales increased by 6.8 percent to 68,386, while in June, 10,912 new Acura models were sold, equating to a 5.4 percent rise.
Honda and Sony posted a ¥52 billion ($362 million) loss for their Afeela EV project.
Last year, Honda Sony Mobility posted a loss of ¥20.5 billion ($143 million).
Analysts worry that this signals the challenges of entering the luxury EV market.
A decade ago, Honda and Sony partnering with each other would have resulted in a Gran Turismo concept at best. However, today it has translated into the sleek-looking Afeela Joint EV project. But there’s one problem: before even selling a single car, Sony Honda Mobility has posted an operating loss of approximately $362 million (¥52 billion).
It’s not just a matter of pre-launch development expenses either. According to recently released financial disclosures, losses more than doubled compared to last year’s ¥20.5 billion deficit, highlighting just how expensive it is to play catch-up in the premium EV market. Set to debut later this year, the Afeela will command a starting price of $89,900, a clear sign of the market positioning the joint venture targets, but also underscoring the challenges of recouping such heavy upfront investments.
A Challenging Entry
Any new car launch is going to incur losses to begin with; that’s practically a given. And with Honda and Sony’s war chest seemingly well-stocked (combined, the two Japanese companies pocketed over ¥2.6 trillion in operating profit last fiscal year), it’s unlikely that the project will put either at financial risk.
But the market Afeela will be entering won’t be without its hurdles. Analysts suggest that luxury electric vehicles, while highly attractive to premium buyers, typically come with high development costs: think extensive R&D, complex software integrations, and the pricey task of prototype building. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tatsuo Yoshida points out that although the high sticker price of the Afeela aims to offset these expenses, fully covering these substantial costs through sales alone might prove challenging.
Late To The Party
Adding to the complexity, the Afeela will launch into a market where Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and other established players already dominate (and that’s without mentioning the Chinese, of course…) , making Sony and Honda’s mission to carve out their own niche all the more difficult. But both companies remain confident, banking on a combination of Honda’s proven engineering expertise and Sony’s strength in software and entertainment tech to win over buyers.
Whether the Afeela becomes a hit or remains an ambitious footnote, the venture highlights one thing clearly: even for giants like Sony and Honda, the transition to electric luxury is neither cheap nor easy.
Honda has unveiled an electric quadricycle, which will be launched later this year.
The model is designed for last-mile deliveries in North America and Europe.
Multiple configurations will be available and one will have up to 23 miles of range.
Honda has launched a new micromobility company, called Fastport, and announced plans to show its first product at Eurobike later this month. Known as the eQuad, the electric quadricycle is a last-mile delivery vehicle intended for use in urban areas.
The rolling oddity is a far cry from the Acura NSX, but it aims to reduce urban congestion while also meeting rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries. As part of this effort, the eQuad is designed for use in bike lanes and will be offered in a variety of configurations to meet customer demand.
Honda mentioned Small and Large eQuads as well as Small and Large cargo boxes, which will enable the model to “cater to a wide range of uses – including parcel, grocery, and small package deliveries.” The Small model measures 133.9 inches (3,400 mm) long, 39.4 inches (1,000 mm) wide, and 82.7 inches (2,100 mm) tall, while the Large eQuad comes in at 144 inches (3,658 mm) long, 48 inches (1,219 mm) wide, and 84 inches (2,134 mm) tall.
They’ll have cargo boxes offering roughly 96 to 148 cubic feet (2,718 to 4,191 liters) of space. Furthermore, we can expect payload capacities of 320 lbs (145 kg) and 650 lbs (295 kg).
On the styling front, there isn’t much to report as the eQuad is essentially a box on wheels. That being said, there’s a central bike-like seat and two handle bars. They’re joined by a sizable display, which acts as a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The model also sports lights, mirrors, a UV-coated canopy, and a fan to help keep the driver comfortable.
Honda didn’t release many specifications, but confirmed the eQuad will have a top speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). The company also said the Small model will have a range of up to 23 miles (37 km), although the actual distance depends on the payload.
The automaker added the eQuad has a “pedal-by-wire pedal-assist powertrain” that uses swappable batteries. They’re joined by a regenerative braking system as well as automatic parking brakes.
The eQuad will be built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, which was recently home to the NSX. Initial European and North American deliveries are slated to begin in late 2025, before production ramps up the following year.
Honda will introduce the Super EV Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.
The A-segment five-door hatchback is fully electric and likely previews a production model.
Honda will also showcase the new Prelude, a motorcycle concept, and the 0 SUV prototype.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed kicks off next month and Honda will use the event to introduce an electric urban vehicle concept. Known as the Super EV, the concept looks like a thinly veiled production model that could serve as a successor to the Honda e.
The automaker isn’t saying much at this point, but the concept is a five-door hatchback that recalls the Nissan Cube. It features a curvaceous front bumper and a fully enclosed grille with an integrated charging port. They’re joined by circular headlights and vertical air curtains.
Moving further back, we can see a short hood and bulging fenders. The concept also has an upright windscreen, slender pillars, and a relatively flat roof.
While Honda was tight-lipped about specifics, they said the concept was “designed to demonstrate how an A-segment model might offer fresh, fun-to-drive electric performance alongside trademark Honda usability.” They added the “small, sporty model has already carried out feasibility testing in the UK in the lead-up to the event – as part of a wider global program,” once again hinting at production.
A Lot Of Other Things To See
Besides the new EV concept, Honda will stage the European premiere of the 0 SUV prototype. It will be accompanied by the EV Fun and EV Urban concepts, which are an electric motorcycle and scooter.
They’ll be joined by the new Prelude, which will be tackling the famous hill climb. Other notable highlights include the Honda-powered Williams FW11, the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition, and a Miimo robotic lawnmower.
Several big SUVs have the tiniest rear wipers imaginable and look very strange.
Offenders include the Jeep Wagoneer, Honda Prologue, and Ford Bronco Sport.
Some things in car design make you stop and ask, “Wait, seriously?” Rear wipers don’t usually make the list, but once you notice one that looks wildly out of proportion, it’s hard to unsee. Take this Honda Prologue, for example. At first glance, everything seems fine, until your eyes land on the rear window and spot what might be one of the smallest rear wipers we’ve seen.
It’s so tiny it barely qualifies as functional. And that got us thinking, what other vehicles are out there sporting hilariously undersized rear wipers?
As it turns out, the Prologue seen in this photo shared by a Redditor is far from the only car that has a wiper so small it can only clean the tiniest section of the rear window. Unsurprisingly, the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which shares its underpinnings with the Honda, appears to be equipped with exactly the same wiper as the Prologue.
The reasoning behind these comically small wipers is relatively straightforward. Both the Prologue and Blazer EV feature tall beltlines and narrow rear windows. Fitting a longer, centrally mounted wiper would mean it would smack into the spoiler hanging over the top of the glass. So instead, manufacturers opt for a short blade mounted low, which can clear only a small portion of the glass without interference.
But Honda and Chevy aren’t the only ones skimping on rear wiper real estate. Look at the rear of a new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, or a Wagoneer, and you’ll find that they, too, have very small rear wipers, despite having relatively large rear windows. It’s a similar story with the Ford Bronco Sport. In all of these cases, the rear wiper looks far too small for the vehicle and is only capable of cleaning a tiny part of the window.
There’s got to be a better way to handle this. And thankfully, some automakers seem to agree. As it turns out, there is. Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage have rear wiper blades that actually mount to the top of the rear window and are hidden beneath the rear spoiler. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in execution and aesthetics.
So, what other cars have you seen that take the idea of a rear wiper and shrink it down to toy-like proportions? Because once you start noticing them, you’ll see them everywhere.
A new report outlines Honda’s upcoming US and global models through 2035.
The automaker will launch of 13 next-gen hybrids between 2027 and 2031.
Despite reduced investment, it still plans multiple EV launches in the coming years.
Honda’s latest roadmap reflects a company trying to straddle two worlds: the pressing reality of today’s market and the long-term push toward cleaner, electrified mobility. While the Japanese automaker is easing off the EV accelerator in favor of hybrids, it hasn’t abandoned its bigger goal, which is carbon neutrality by 2050. And despite some revised timelines, there are still plenty of new models coming over the next decade.
First up, the long-awaited return of the Honda Prelude is finally happening, with North America, Japan, and Europe all on the guest list later this year. The new generation coupe is designed to be a sharper, more performance-leaning alternative to the Civic, equipped with a hybrid powertrain and a gimmicky but fun “S+ Shift” mode that mimics gear changes. Expect a mid-cycle update around 2028, which should help the Prelude avoid feeling stale too quickly.
Between 2027 and 2031, Honda will roll out 13 new hybrid models globally. These will incorporate the next iteration of the company’s e:HEV self-charging hybrid system, offering better efficiency, improved performance, and tighter packaging, all while cutting down production costs. Advanced driver-assist systems will also be part of the mix, boosting safety across the range.
What to Expect from Honda’s Global Lineup
A new report from Global Data outlines Honda’s expected product rollouts from 2025 to 2035. Among them is a new Civic, which makes sense, as Honda gave the current 11th-generation model a light refresh in 2024, and a 12th-gen version is likely for 2028. It’ll benefit from the brand’s next-generation hybrid system.
In the crossover space, the US-spec HR-V (sold as the ZR-V in Europe) isn’t going anywhere until at least 2030, with a mid-cycle update expected beforehand. As for the larger CR-V, one of Honda’s top sellers in the US and elsewhere, the next generation model is expected around 2027. That includes the Chinese versions too, including the CR-V from Dongfeng Honda and the Breeze from GAC Honda, as well as the European model.
Next-Gen SUVs and the Future of the Pilot
Elsewhere in the lineup, the recently refreshed Honda Passport means attention is now turning to the Pilot, which has been on sale since late 2022. A facelift is expected soon, and according to Global Data, it may include a hybrid option.
A full redesign is likely to land in 2028 or 2029, which lines up with Honda’s recent confirmation that a new large, hybrid-only SUV will debut in the US before 2030. Given the overlap, it’s unlikely Honda will launch two similarly sized three-row SUVs, so this upcoming model is probably the next-generation Pilot. Honda says it will offer strong performance and serious towing capabilities, clearly aiming to keep families and weekend trailer-haulers interested.
Sedans might have fallen out of fashion in the US, but demand in China is what keeps the Honda Accord alive. The eleventh-gen model that arrived in late 2022 will get a facelift soon, possibly mirroring the minor changes introduced in the Chinese-spec version earlier this year. Furthermore, a new generation will reportedly arrive in the fourth quarter of 2027, with production in both China and the US.
The aging Odyssey minivan, introduced in 2017, has already been through two facelifts (in 2021 and 2025), which suggests a full redesign could arrive by 2028. The next version may ditch the familiar 3.5-liter V6 in favor of a more efficient self-charging hybrid.
The (Now-Delayed) Rise of Honda EVs
In a recent press conference, Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, confirmed a scaled-back EV strategy. The company has slashed its electrification investment plan from ¥10 trillion (about $69 billion) to ¥7 trillion ($48 billion) by 2031. Honda now expects EVs to make up less than 30% of its global sales mix by 2030.
That doesn’t mean the EV side is dead, just slightly delayed, with several interesting launches planned for the next couple of years. The futuristic Honda 0 Series of EVs will arrive in production form in 2026. The first one will be the Saloon, largely mirroring the styling of the concept. It will be followed by three electric SUVs set to arrive in 2027 and 2028, one of which has already been shown in near-production form.
The Honda Prologue SUV, developed with GM, will receive a facelift for 2028 alongside its sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. But now that Honda and GM have officially broken up when it comes to co-developing EVs, a next-gen Prologue seems unlikely.
Meanwhile in China, Honda is still pushing forward with a stream of EVs developed through its joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. The lineup includes the GT sedan twins and the new Ye P7 and S7 SUVs, all built on EV-specific platforms. It’s unclear whether any of these models will leave China, or remain domestic-only.
The Honda City is due for a refresh in 2026 in both hatchback and sedan formats, and it will likely retain internal combustion power to stay cost-effective. Over in India, the small Honda Amaze sedan that debuted in late 2024 won’t be replaced until 2031.
The Indian-made Elevate, which is exported to Japan as the WR-V, will receive a fully electric variant later in 2025. The small SUV could receive a mid-lifecycle update in 2028, with a new generation arriving closer to 2031. Honda’s other WR-V, which is offered in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, will reportedly get a facelift in 2026 and a successor before the end of the decade.
The Honda Fit/Jazz will also receive a major facelift in China later this year, although it is not clear if this version will reach other markets. The current fourth-generation Fit/Jazz has been around since 2019, and received a mild facelift in 2022 for Europe and Japan. Honda will likely unveil the next iteration of the minivan-style hatch by 2028, keeping it relevant against the competition.
The mechanically related global-spec Honda HR-V, sold as the Vezel in Japan, could also get a new generation in 2028, with both hybrid and fully electric powertrain options on the table.
In Japan, the Honda N-Box kei van is expected to get a facelift within the next few years, followed by a full redesign closer to the end of the decade. The current generation launched in 2023 and has remained Honda’s top-seller in the Japanese market, consistently moving over 200,000 units a year. A fully electric variant, likely modeled after the N-Van e:, is also expected to join the passenger lineup.
The China-made Odyssey that is being exported to Japan is a totally different model from the US-made minivan with the same name. Having been originally launched in 2013 with facelifts in 2017 and 2020, it is nearing the end of its lifecycle, with an all-new successor expected later this year.
By contrast, the Honda Freed minivan is still relatively new, having launched in 2024. A facelift could arrive in 2028, with a full redesign expected in 2032.
Lastly, Honda’s not giving up on hydrogen. Despite ending its collaboration with GM, the company is continuing development of its next hydrogen-powered model in-house. It’s scheduled to arrive in 2027, though it’s unclear whether it will be more widely available than the limited-run CR-V e:FCEV plug-in hybrid.
Honda cuts electrification investment from ¥10 trillion ($69 billion) to ¥7 trillion ($48 billion).
The focus shifts to hybrids, with 13 new models and a target of 2.2 million sales by 2030.
It’s also working on advanced ADAS to enhance the competitiveness of both EVs and HEVs.
As more automakers revise their EV plans in response to the realities of the market, Honda is also adjusting its electrification strategy. President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe recently announced significant changes to the company’s approach, including a sharp reduction in both its ambitious sales targets and, more importantly, its investment in electric vehicles.
Slower-than-expected EV adoption has been a key factor behind this shift. While Honda still sees electric vehicles as the best long-term path to carbon neutrality by 2050, the pace of adoption has not kept up with predictions. A combination of evolving environmental regulations and shifting trade policies has kept EVs from breaking through at the rate many hoped for.
Adjusted Expectations
Honda now predicts that EVs will make up less than 30% of its global sales by 2030. In response, the company is slashing its planned investment in electrification from ¥10 trillion ($69 billion) to ¥7 trillion ($48 billion) by 2031. Part of this reduction stems from the postponement of a major EV investment project in Canada.
More importantly, Honda is introducing a new mixed production system that can handle both EVs and HEVs, with the added flexibility to shift between different factories. This will be paired with a “resilient supply chain strategy” designed to make adjustments as needed, depending on market fluctuations in different regions.
Next-Generation Hybrids
With demand for hybrids expected to continue growing toward the end of the decade, Honda plans to introduce 13 next-generation HEV models globally between 2027 and 2031. These hybrids will sport the redesigned “H” emblem, which was previously reserved for EVs. The company aims to reach 2.2 million annual HEV sales by 2030, contributing to a broader sales increase beyond the projected 3.6 million units in 2025.
Honda’s two-motor e:HEV hybrid system will also see improvements, offering enhanced efficiency and better packaging. A new all-wheel-drive (AWD) unit will further elevate performance. The next-generation hybrid system will be 30% cheaper to produce than the current version, making it a more cost-effective option for the company.
Big Plans for North America
Specifically for North America, Honda is developing a new hybrid system tailored for larger vehicles, with an emphasis on high performance and towing capabilities. This powertrain will debut in models set to launch in the next few years, including a large SUV. While the model isn’t named, we suspect that it could very well be a replacement for the Pilot.
Sophisticated ADAS
The company is also investing heavily in intelligent technologies like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Aiming to enhance the competitiveness of both EVs and HEVs, the next generation of Honda’s ADAS will offer a higher level of autonomy in both city and highway driving. These systems are expected to be launched around 2027 across a wide range of EVs and HEVs in North America and Japan.
Besides its own-developed next-gen ADAS, Honda will also work with Chinese startup Momenta Global Limited to develop systems tailored for all future Hondas that will launch in China.
Honda delays its $15 billion investment in Canada due to slowing EV demand.
The postponement affects plans for a 240,000-vehicle EV plant and battery facility.
EV sales continue to rise in Canada and the US, despite lower-than-expected growth.
In April of last year, Honda unveiled plans to invest CA$15 billion (US$11 billion) into a full-fledged electric vehicle supply chain in Canada, which would include an EV plant and a standalone battery facility in Ontario. Fast forward 12 months, and the auto industry is a very different landscape, thanks in part to Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office. As a result, Honda is now pushing back its Canadian EV investments by “approximately” two years.
In a letter sent to Honda shareholders, the automaker attributed the delay to the current slowdown in EV demand. The company reassured investors that it’s keeping a close eye on market trends but stopped short of providing a specific timeline for when the project will get back on track.
Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, explained during a quarterly earnings press conference that the company will need to “observe what is happening” over the next two years before making any final decisions on the timing of the project. Meanwhile, Honda Canada spokesperson Ken Chiu told CTV News that there are no plans to cut production or jobs locally, despite the delays.
EV Sales Still Climbing, Just Not as Fast as Expected
While Honda claims the postponement is due to a slowdown in EV demand, the reality is that EV sales are still rising in both Canada and the US. In fact, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 11.4% of all new car sales in Canada last year, and 8.1% in the US. True, demand hasn’t accelerated as rapidly as many hoped, prompting automakers to reconsider their EV strategies, but it’s not as though EVs are suddenly unpopular.
A Delayed Investment with Major Implications
Honda’s CA$15 billion commitment was previously hailed by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “largest auto investment in Canada’s history.” The plan called for a battery plant with an annual capacity of 36 GWh and an EV assembly plant capable of producing up to 240,000 vehicles annually starting in 2028.
In light of the delays, Honda also confirmed it would shift some the CR-V production to its plant in Ohio to mitigate the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the company’s operations.
“There is room to increase the production capacity in the United States, and we are trying to look into what will happen as a result of that,” Toshihiro Mibe added. “In the midterm, if the tariff measures are to be in place for a long time, then we will have to increase our production capacity in the United States.”
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