Honda Forges Extensive EV Charging Network Partnerships in the U.S. Despite Absence of Electric Models
Honda, a renowned automaker, is gearing up to provide American electric vehicle (EV) drivers with access to one of the most extensive charging networks in the United States. This ambitious plan comes as a result of recent agreements inked with EVgo and Electrify America, two major players in the country’s EV charging infrastructure. While Honda’s EV offerings in the U.S. are currently limited, these partnerships aim to ensure that future Honda EV owners have a robust charging infrastructure in place.
Honda’s commitment to expanding its EV charging network began with its adoption of the NACS charging standard, which provided access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network. Now, through its partnerships with EVgo and Electrify America, Honda is working to enhance the charging experience for its EV users.
It’s worth noting that, despite its efforts to bolster its EV charging network, Honda has yet to launch a modern electric vehicle in the American market, which is a noteworthy caveat to its recent announcement. While Honda has sold and leased electric vehicles since the 1990s, its presence in the U.S. EV market has been limited, with models like the Honda Clarity Electric only available for lease in select markets until 2022.
Honda’s near-future EV strategy revolves around a collaboration with General Motors and its versatile Ultium EV platform. This partnership, established in 2022, has already resulted in the introduction of two Honda electric vehicles: the Acura ZDX and, announced recently, the Honda Prologue. Both vehicles are based on GM’s platform and offer a glimpse into Honda’s electric future. The Prologue, in particular, is expected to be produced in substantial quantities, with an initial production target of 45,000 units in the first year, increasing to 70,000 units annually thereafter.
One notable aspect of these forthcoming EVs is their compatibility with the older CCS charging connector. However, Honda plans to introduce adapters to enable charging at Tesla Superchargers sometime between 2024 and 2025. This move demonstrates Honda’s commitment to providing versatile and convenient charging options to its EV customers.
Honda’s ambitions extend far beyond these initial EV offerings. The automaker has outlined plans to introduce 30 EV models by 2030, with an annual production volume exceeding 2 million vehicles. These aggressive goals underscore Honda’s determination to leverage the expanding charging network as it ventures deeper into the world of electric mobility.
