Honda appears to be quietly developing electric sports cars, despite concerns surrounding the slow progress of its planned Prelude EV. While the company has produced prototypes of these electric vehicles, a launch date remains unclear as Honda grapples with the evolving landscape of electric vehicle adoption.
Electric Sports Car Prototypes: A Quiet Development
According to Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Honda already has research and prototypes of electric sports cars developed in-house. While the company hasn’s shared details about the prototypes themselves, the existence of these models indicates a continued interest in bringing electric performance vehicles to market.
The decision to hold back on a full production launch, however, reflects a broader reassessment of the EV market.
Shifting Timelines and the Next-Generation NSX
The company’s approach to electric sports cars appears to be closely linked to the development of the next generation Acura NSX. A year prior, Acura hinted at introducing a successor to the NSX by 2027 or 2028, showcasing the Electric Vision Design Study at the 2023 Monterey Car Week.
However, that timeline may have shifted. Shinji Aoyama, another Acura executive, later indicated that while a sports model will likely be introduced around that time, it might not be branded as an “NSX,” but rather an “NSX-type” vehicle.
The Electric Revolution’s Slowdown
The shift in strategy highlights the unexpected challenges facing the electric vehicle industry. While EV sales have generally increased over the past few years, the pace of adoption has been slower than initially projected by many automakers.
This has led to a change in strategy for several companies, including a greater emphasis on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as they navigate a market that is evolving more slowly than anticipated. The EV market isn’t maturing as quickly as hoped, which has prompted a reevaluation of timelines and priorities.
Honda’s current stance represents a cautious approach to the electric vehicle space, prioritizing technological advancement and market conditions over rushed product launches.
In conclusion, Honda’s electric sports car project, including prototypes of an electric NSX-type vehicle, remains active, but its release is contingent on further developments in EV technology and a more favorable market environment. The company’s evolving strategy underscores the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the electric vehicle transition. While a future “GT” electric vehicle is still on the horizon, a practical launch date remains to be seen.
