Honda Motor Co., the Japanese automaker, has announced that it will discontinue the sale of all its electric vehicle (EV) models within the United States. This move represents a significant retreat by a major car manufacturer in response to what the company views as sluggish consumer demand.
Phasing Out EV Production and Shifting Focus
The automaker informed American dealers on Thursday that production of the Honda Prologue, a model manufactured in Mexico and co-developed with General Motors Co., will cease later this year. Sales of the vehicle are scheduled to end with the 2026 model year. This shift reflects weak market demand, prompting Honda to concentrate instead on offering traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models as well as hybrid gas-electric vehicles in the US.
“We’ve certainly seen success with the Prologue,” Lance Woelfer, who heads Honda’s US sales operations, stated during an interview. “But right now, the key for the marketplace is a balance of ICE and hybrid.”
Sales Performance and Strategic Changes
Despite the discontinuation of its EV line, Honda’s overall sales increased by 2.4% during the first half of this year. This growth was significantly driven by strong consumer interest in the hybrid versions of popular models, including the CR-V compact SUV, Accord mid-sized sedan, and compact Civic sedan. In June, hybrids accounted for roughly one-third of the company’s total volume, even as deliveries of the Prologue declined by 40%.
The electric vehicle is produced at a GM facility in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Although the model was initially released in 2024 and intended to precede three other battery-electric vehicles slated for production at an Ohio Honda factory starting that year, the carmaker recently altered its plans. It canceled those three planned all-electric models as part of a broader strategic realignment.
Future Outlook and Global Commitments
Looking ahead, Honda anticipates introducing 15 new hybrid models by March 2030, primarily within North America, although specific vehicle types have not been disclosed. The first of these newly planned hybrids is expected to debut next year.
Woelfer confirmed that while Honda will continue selling EVs in other international markets, the company may revisit offering them in the US at a later date. He added, “There will be opportunity that we think we’ll want to be a part of in the future, but when that is I can’t say.”
For the immediate term, Honda plans to continue selling used Prologue units through its certified pre-owned vehicle program.
