Honda Just Cancelled All Of Its Upcoming Electric Vehicles
Honda has dramatically scaled back its electric vehicle ambitions in North America, confirming that it has canceled three EVs that were planned for U.S. production.
The junked vehicles include the Honda 0 Saloon, Honda 0 SUV, and the Acura RSX electric crossover. All three had been planned for production at the company's new Ohio-based EV hub as part of Honda’s next wave of EV launches.
Honda said the decision came after reviewing current market conditions and deciding that moving forward with the projects would likely result in long-term financial losses. Canceling the vehicles so late in their development cycle comes with a significant financial hit.
The automaker says the about-face will lead to roughly $15.7 billion in charges and losses tied to its EV program.
“In order to improve the current earnings situation as early as possible, Honda considered various options,” the company said in a statement. “After careful consideration, the company made the decision to cancel the development and market launch of three EV models that had been planned for production in the U.S.”
Of the three canceled vehicles, the futuristic wedge-shaped Honda 0 Saloon was arguably the most eye-catching. Honda had originally planned to launch the sedan after the SUV version, with earlier reports suggesting it might arrive around 2027. That timeline has now been scrapped entirely.
The Honda 0 SUV, meanwhile, was intended to be the more mainstream model of the pair. The electric crossover featured an unconventional design with a tall cabin, distinctive lighting signatures, and Honda’s new ASIMO OS software platform.
The cancellation of the Acura RSX EV may prove the most costly. Acura had already revealed a prototype version of the vehicle and planned to begin production later this year. The electric crossover was expected to feature dual motors and all-wheel drive, with a more performance-focused personality than Acura’s recently discontinued ZDX electric SUV.
The RSX nameplate carries significant nostalgia for everyone over the age of 30—the RSX was originally a sporty coupe that earned a rabid following during the 2000s.
All three EVs had been scheduled to be built in Ohio, part of Honda’s plan to turn the state into a major EV manufacturing hub. With the projects now canceled, it's unclear what Honda’s next plan is for its U.S. production strategy.
AutoGuide's Take:
As consumer EV adoption slows and costs remain high, almost every automaker is swapping their pure play battery-electric strategies for hybrid powertrains and more gradual electrification timelines. Does that mean cars are going to get more affordable—probably not.
Honda didn't mention plans for the Prologue electric SUV, which was co-developed with General Motors and shares the same underlying platform used by the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq EV—assembly is also handled by GM plants. It's likely that the project continues, considering Honda will have to pay GM for the vehicles regardless of whether they're built or not.
Honda says it will announce details of its new mid- to long-term strategy for its automobile business at a press conference in May this year.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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Good. The demand just isn't there; it's a money pit pursuit.
On the other hand, Donald's policies have now cost Ohio jobs, even if those jobs may have eventually proven to be relatively short term due to consumer preferences.