Honda is killing its EVs — and any chance of competing in the future

The article discusses Honda's recent decision to halt development of its electric vehicle (EV) programs, including the electric Acura RDX and Honda 0 sedan and SUV, marking a significant retreat from the EV market. This move is attributed to challenges such as U.S. tariffs and competition from Chinese automakers, but the article argues that Honda never had a strong or viable EV strategy to begin with. By shelving these projects, Honda risks falling behind in two major industry shifts: the transition to electric drivetrains and the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The company’s approach, treating EVs merely as cars with different drivetrains rather than rethinking vehicle design from the ground up, is criticized as shortsighted and likely to result in heavier, less efficient, and more costly products. Moreover, Honda’s withdrawal from EV development means it will miss critical opportunities to learn from manufacturing, supply chain innovations, and customer feedback that are essential for success in the evolving automotive landscape. The article also highlights