New Honda Prologue: the manufacturer's first electric vehicle for the North American market

Like other Japanese manufacturers, Honda has not been in much of a hurry to offer fully electric models in the markets where it operates. While it is true that in Europe it currently sells the Honda e, this model does not really represent a serious commitment to electric mobility, due to its low sales volume, a consequence of its high price and its purely urban focus.

This situation could begin to change, however, from now on. In the North American market, the Japanese manufacturer is preparing to launch a new electric SUV with far more ambitious aims.

The new Honda Prologue is based on General Motors’ Ultium platform, the same one used by the Chevrolet Blazer EV, for example. Available in configurations with one or two electric motors, the Japanese manufacturer’s new electric SUV can deliver up to 215 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. With an estimated range of about 483 km, thanks to its 85 kWh battery pack.

The version with a single electric motor and front-wheel drive is the most efficient and the one that offers the 483 km of range we mentioned, while the version with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive is the one that delivers the 215 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque.

Developed from the outset for the North American market

Given that this is a vehicle aimed at the North American market, it should come as no surprise that the Prologue is quite a large vehicle, with a wheelbase of just over three metres (3.10 m). The manufacturer has not disclosed the drag coefficient, but it has highlighted that the available 19- and 21-inch wheels have been optimised to reduce wind turbulence and therefore improve efficiency.

When charging, in DC the Prologue will support a peak power of 155 kW. With AC charging using a Wallbox, the maximum power reaches 11.5 kW, thanks to its built-in onboard charger.

The new Honda Prologue will debut in the North American market early next year, with a price yet to be confirmed that will start at around 40,000 dollars. Looking ahead, the Japanese manufacturer plans to launch new electric models in different market segments, so we can say the Prologue is just the beginning of the new path Honda has embarked on in favour of electric mobility.