Honda and Acura’s Push For Electrification By 2040 On Track. So Far
Sara Lacey
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It’s not new information that Honda and Acura are electrifying their cars.
But Honda is saying that their strategy for an 100% electric fleet by 2040 is beginning this year, and they’re telling us it’s on track. In an online press conference, Honda’s Vice President of Sales Mamadou Diallo emphasized that they are not “out of the woods with supply issues yet,” but said they are planning on increased sales this year. Part of their optimism comes from a predicted increase in production in 2023.
Honda said their new models, their refreshed trucks and SUV’s will all be a part of that effort. My favorite part was when they mentioned their “continued commitment to fun-to-drive cars” were also a part of their sales success strategy. I love a fun to drive car! Also, Honda will have much more inventory this year than last, roughly twice the amount, they say. Friendly reminder, Acura is the luxury branch of Honda.
Related: The 2023 Honda Pilot 3 Row SUV Now Has a Removable Seat for 7 or 8? Get Out!
2023 Acura Integra. Photo: Honda
2023 is Going to Be Fun for Acura
Honda said that Acura was going to be the first to roll out a digital buying process. This will start in 2023 with online pre-sales for the all-electric ZDX and its potential performance version, the ZDX Type S. I say “potential” because we don’t really know for sure what Type S will be (high-performance EV? Long range?) but Type S in other models means high performance.
Interestingly, the ZDX will be the product of a partnership between Honda and GM, using GM’s battery. If the ZDX letters sound familiar, it’s because you may have seen them years ago on the back of Acura’s crossover coupe from 2010-2013. So maybe anticipate four or five seats in this puppy.
In non-electric news, they also said that the 2023 Acura Integra Type S would be available this summer. Lastly, the TLX sedan is getting some updates this year they say will keep it competitive with its, well, competitors.
Related: The 2023 Acura Integra Has A Lot To Love
The rear end of the 2023 Honda Pilot. Photo: Scotty Reiss
2023 will see Pre-Sales of a new Model, the Honda Prologue
Keep in mind, Honda been cranking out the fun news with big facelifts and overhauls to their SUV’s in 2022. Most recently, they unveiled the all-new Pilot and its rugged version, the Pilot TrailSport. Prior to that we had all-new versions of the HR-V, CR-V, and the CR-V Hybrid. That is indeed a busy year.
Related: 2023 Honda CR-V: Get Ready to Love Hybrid SUV Driving
The Honda CR-V’s mesh grille is so elegant. Photo: Scotty Reiss
To keep the momentum going, we will see an all-new Honda Accord and Honda Accord Hybrid. They also mentioned there will be a Civic hybrid available in 2024 in both a sedan and a hatchback. Finally, Honda let us know that they’ll be taking preorders for the all-electric SUV the Prologue in 2023, with deliveries beginning in 2024. The Prologue will also use the GM Ultium battery, like the Acura ZDX. We don’t know much else about the Prologue, but as soon as we do, we will keep you updated.
Related: I Really Didn’t Want to Test Drive the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid. But I Did Anyway
Honda Prologue all-electric SUV. Photo: Honda
Honda emphasized that these updated cars and launches are steps towards their long-term electrification goals. We certainly hope things continue to go according to plan! Get it? ACCORDing to plan? Sorry.
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