All-New Hybrid-Electric Honda Prelude Will Come to the U.S. Late Next Year
On December 17, 2024, Honda made an exciting announcement: the all-new hybrid-electric Prelude sports coupe will be introduced to the U.S. market in late 2025, marking the return of one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates. This new Prelude will feature the debut of Honda S+ Shift, a cutting-edge drive mode designed to enhance driver engagement by advancing Linear Shift Control. This innovation aims to deliver a dynamic driving experience that stays true to the sporty and performance-focused heritage of the Prelude line.
The hybrid-electric Honda Prelude Concept made its first North American appearance at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, following its global debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The unveiling of this new Prelude comes 45 years after the original model entered production in November 1978. Throughout its five generations, the Prelude earned a dedicated following for its innovative technologies and sporty appeal. Over the years, the car introduced groundbreaking features such as four-wheel steering (4WS) and the torque vectoring Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS), making it a beloved favorite among automotive enthusiasts. With the return of the Prelude, Honda aims to once again capture the spirit of innovation and performance that defined the model in its heyday.
“The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in our passenger car lineup as hybrids.”
Honda Electrification Strategy
Honda has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all its products and corporate activities by 2050. To reach this goal, the company aims for battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to make up 100% of its vehicle sales by 2040. Hybrid-electric vehicles play a crucial role in this electrification strategy, and Honda is integrating hybrid-electric powertrains into its core models as part of the transition to a more sustainable future.
In 2024, Honda reached a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of hybrid sales in America. The company has seen record sales of electrified vehicles this year, which now represent more than a quarter of its total sales. Hybrid-electric trims are particularly popular, with more than 50% of Accord and CR-V sales coming from hybrid variants, while the newly introduced Civic hybrid is expected to make up about 40% of Civic sales. Honda’s cumulative sales of electrified vehicles have now surpassed one million units, underscoring the brand’s commitment to electrification.
Honda’s electrification journey began in December 1999 with the launch of the first-generation Honda Insight, America’s first hybrid-electric vehicle. Since then, the company has continued to innovate and expand its lineup. In 2024, Honda also introduced the Honda Prologue, its first all-electric SUV. Additionally, Honda is preparing to begin production of its first EVs based on a new Honda-developed EV platform at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio by late 2025.
At CES 2024, Honda unveiled two concept models from its upcoming Honda 0 Series: the Saloon and the Space-Hub. The Saloon, positioned as the flagship model of the 0 Series, is expected to enter production in 2026 at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. By 2030, Honda plans to introduce a total of seven Honda 0 Series models globally, ranging from small to large-sized vehicles. These models will feature next-generation technologies, some of which were introduced at the Honda 0 Tech Meeting 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.
At CES 2025, Honda is planning to unveil another model from the Honda 0 Series. This new model will showcase the latest advancements in technology and electrification concepts developed by Honda, furthering the company’s commitment to leading the way in sustainable mobility.
The all-electric Honda Prologue sold 6,823 units in November and 25,132 year-to-date in the US market, demonstrating significant market traction. The Prologue is highly recommended by EVinfo.net.
