- Honda confirms it’s canceled three US EVs including Acura RSX.
- Axed Honda models are a Lambo-shaped sedan and quirky SUV.
- Honda now expects massive losses and a bigger focus on hybrids.
Honda’s electric future just got a whole lot less bright. The automaker has announced it’s scrapping three planned North American EVs that were supposed to spearhead its next big push as it rethinks its electrification plans against a backdrop of cooling global EV demand.
The three vehicles are Honda’s delightfully bonkers 0 Saloon and 0 SUV, and Acura’s upcoming RSX crossover, and axing them so late in the game means a ton of financial pain for Honda. The company says it is booking roughly 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) in expenses and losses due to the U-turn.
Related: Honda Walks Back Its EV Plans As Losses Spiral
Here’s what Honda told us in a statement:
“In order to improve the current earnings situation as early as possible, Honda considered various options; however, 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., namely the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX.
Honda determined that starting production and sales of these three models in current business environment where the demand for EVs is declining significantly would likely result in further losses over the long term.”
Sedan Does Supercar
Of the trio, the 0 Saloon was the showstopper. It looked like someone fed a Lamborghini Gallardo and a minivan into the same blender. Honda had previously said it would launch in North America after the SUV, and just earlier this year reports said it had already slipped to 2027. Now it appears the delay has turned into a funeral.
The 0 SUV was the more realistic sibling, though still plenty wild from a design standpoint with its hunchback rear. It was an electric crossover SUV with a tall cabin, pixel style lighting and Honda’s new ASIMO OS. This was supposed to be the practical EV that actually paid the bills, and would probably have been the model seen most regularly on US roads.
RSX Revival Iced
But maybe it’s the loss of the Acura RSX that was due to enter production later this year that will sting the most. Acura had already shown a pre-production prototype of the coupe SUV, promising dual motors, all-wheel drive and a sportier feel than the GM-based ZDX that was recently dropped. The RSX was also going to revive a name made famous by an iconic driver-focused Acura of yesteryear, and even if it did so by turning a fondly remembered rev-happy coupe into yet another crossover, at least it was a seriously good looking crossover.
Honda’s change of heart isn’t just bad news for North American EV buyers either, it’s all bad for US workers. All three EVs were scheduled to be built in Ohio. We have reached out to Honda for confirmation and will update this story when we hear back.
