Honda used to be the brand for people who just wanted a car that worked. No drama, just a Civic or an Accord that would outlive the heat death of the universe. But honestly, for a long time, their electric vehicle (EV) plans felt like they were stuck in neutral. While everyone else was rushing to market with "compliance cars," Honda sort of sat back, watching the dust settle.
That wait-and-see era is officially over.
If you’ve been looking for a new Honda electric car, you’ve probably noticed the landscape just got a lot more crowded and, frankly, a bit confusing. We’ve gone from having basically nothing to having a weird mix of GM-powered SUVs and futuristic "0 Series" concepts that look like they belong in a Cyberpunk DLC.
✨ Don't miss: Google Translate English to Arabic: Why It Still Fails at Sarcasm (and How to Fix It)
The Prologue is basically the "Icebreaker"
The first thing you actually see on the road right now is the Honda Prologue. It’s a bit of a weird beast because, under the skin, it’s not really a Honda. It’s built on General Motors' Ultium platform. Think of it as a Chevy Blazer EV wearing a much nicer, more sensible suit.
Kinda weird? Yeah. But it works.
I’ve talked to a few folks who were skeptical about the GM DNA, but the real-world performance is surprisingly "Honda." The steering is light but doesn't feel like a video game controller. The ride is tuned for comfort rather than trying to pretend a 5,000-pound SUV is a sports car. Plus, the range is legit.
- Front-Wheel Drive: Up to 308 miles.
- All-Wheel Drive: Roughly 294 miles.
- Charging: Hits 150 kW, which isn't the fastest on the market, but it’ll give you 65 miles in about 10 minutes if you’re at a decent DC fast charger.
The interior is where you really feel the "Honda-ness." While Tesla is busy hiding your windshield wiper controls in a touchscreen menu, Honda kept the physical knobs for the climate control. Thank goodness. It’s a car for people who want an EV but don't want to feel like they’re piloting a spaceship every time they need to defrost the windows.
The "0 Series" and why 2026 is the year to watch
If the Prologue is the "right now" car, the new Honda electric car everyone is actually talking about is the 0 Series. This is Honda’s "clean slate" moment. No more borrowing platforms from Detroit.
Unveiled at CES, these cars—specifically the Saloon and the Space-Hub—are built on a philosophy Honda calls "Thin, Light, and Wise." Usually, EVs are heavy, bloated, and thick because of the battery floor. Honda is trying to flip that script.
The Saloon is the one that looks like a futuristic door wedge. It’s low to the ground and surprisingly roomy inside. Honda says the production version is coming to North America in 2026. This isn't just a design exercise; it’s the debut of their new "H" logo, which is thinner and more minimalist. It’s basically Honda’s way of saying "we’re a tech company now."
📖 Related: Black Friday Computer Printer Deals: How to Avoid the Ink Trap This Year
What makes the 0 Series different?
- ASIMO OS: Named after that little robot that used to walk up stairs, this is their new software-defined architecture. It uses AI to learn your driving habits and suggest routes or settings.
- Level 3 Automation: They are pushing for "eyes-off" driving in certain conditions. We’re talking about legally being able to watch a movie while the car handles a traffic jam.
- Fast Battery Tech: They’re aiming for a 15% to 80% charge in about 10-15 minutes by the time these hit the streets.
The Afeela factor (Sony x Honda)
You can't talk about a new Honda electric car without mentioning the weirdest partnership in the industry: Sony Honda Mobility.
The brand is called Afeela. It’s basically what happens when you let the PlayStation designers build a car. It’s packed with 40+ sensors, including LiDAR and cameras everywhere. The front of the car literally has a screen (the "Media Bar") that can show the weather, charging status, or even ads for Spider-Man.
The Afeela 1 sedan is supposed to start deliveries in the U.S. later in 2026. It’s not going to be cheap—expect a price tag north of $100,000 for the launch trims. But it’s the ultimate flex for anyone who wants their car to be a rolling entertainment center. You can literally play PS5 games on the dash via Remote Play.
Solid-state batteries: The "Holy Grail"
Here is the part most people get wrong. Everyone thinks solid-state batteries are 10 years away. Honda is actually building a pilot production line in Japan right now.
They’ve invested about $275 million into this. The goal? Cut battery weight by 35% and size by 50%. If they pull this off by 2028, the new Honda electric car you buy at the end of the decade could have a 600-mile range.
That’s the "Wise" part of their strategy. They aren't just trying to make bigger batteries; they’re trying to make smarter ones.
Is it worth waiting?
Honestly, it depends on what you need.
If you need a family hauler today that doesn't feel "weird," the Prologue is a solid, safe bet. It’s a great way to jump into the EV world without a steep learning curve.
But if you want the "True Honda" experience—the engineering-first, light, efficient, tech-forward stuff—you should probably wait until 2026. That’s when the 0 Series hits, and that’s when Honda finally stops playing catch-up and starts leading.
🔗 Read more: New York subway third rail: Everything you should know before you get close to the tracks
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your local tax credits: The Prologue currently qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in many cases because it's built in North America.
- Test drive the "Ultium" platform: If you're curious about the Prologue, go drive a Chevy Blazer EV too. It’ll give you a great sense of the power and range, even if the interior finishes are different.
- Watch the 2026 pre-order windows: Honda typically opens reservations for new series (like the 0 Series Saloon) about 6-8 months before launch. If you want the futuristic wedge, keep an eye on the news around late 2025.
Honda is finally making cars that look like the future again. It’s about time.