Honda’s foray into EVs has focussed mostly on compact city cars with limited range, like the Honda e. But for fans of the Japanese brand who desire something larger with more cabin space and longer range, options are shaping.
A technology and platform-sharing joint venture between GM and Honda has produced a much larger EV option for the Japanese brand. The Prologue is a mid-sized SUV with front- and all-wheel drive configurations. Honda hasn’t detailed the power specification for its single-motor Prologue. We know the dual-motor all-wheel drive version will come to market with 288hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.
The styling and design are conservative yet elegant, which should age reasonably well. For those Prologue customers who desire an EV SUV with a purposeful stance and presence, Honda will offer a 21-inch wheel option.
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GM is providing the Ultium battery pack technology for Prologue, with an 85kWh pack which should deliver a driving range of 300 miles.
Driving endurance is impressive, but the Prologue’s recharging capacity isn’t capable of using the latest advances in grid power delivery. It is rated for a maximum recharging speed of 155kW, which is a touch underwhelming, considering the potency of Tesla’s V4 Superchargers, which rate at 250kW and are soon to be enhanced to 350kW.
Cabin architecture and infotainment see Honda’s interior design retaining some buttons and dials, although the 11.3-inch infotainment screen takes pride of place, enabling wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google apps.
Honda’s struggled with product strategy around EVs. Despite its terrifically futuristic styling and design, the EV and PHEV Clarity sedans proved unpopular. Honda will be hoping that the less dramatic Prologue SUV, scheduled to go on sale early next year, might assist it in establishing better market presence in the large family vehicle EV segment.
