Honda Prelude set to be reborn as EV

Two decades after it was killed off, Honda is plotting the return of its famous Prelude nameplate to help spearhead its new breed of all-electric sports cars due from 2028.

According to Japan’s Best Car, the reincarnated Honda Prelude is one of 30 battery-electric models the car-maker will introduce before 2030, when it plans to be producing two million EVs a year.

As well as the Prelude, the Japanese car-maker is rumoured to be developing a zero-emissions replacement for the Honda NSX.

Both models are part of Honda’s massive EV commitment, which now totals $56 billion.

However, in the next few years, Honda only plans to offer higher-volume SUVs, specifically the mid-size and flagship SUVs it will launch in the US including the recently revealed Honda Prologue.

China, meanwhile, has already embarked on its pure-electric journey and currently sells the e:NS1 and e:NP1 SUVs, while the latest e:N2 concept points to how the range will evolve.

In Australia, the first Honda EV is not due to land until at least the end of 2023 and more likely 2024 as the brand renews its line-up.

The focus for Honda now in Australia is on hybrids rather than EVs.

Produced from late 1978 to 2002, the Honda Prelude spanned five generations, beginning life as a Civic-based front-wheel drive coupe.

Honda could be positioning the reborn Prelude as an all-electric alternative for the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ twins, although don’t rule out the famous nameplate returning on a more expensive four-door coupe.

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