When did the Honda EV Plus come out?
The Honda EV Plus first surfaced in 1997, with its limited U.S. leases beginning in late 1997 and the program winding down around 1999. It marked Honda’s early foray into mass-market electric vehicles during the 1990s.
Overview
The Honda EV Plus was one of the era's early battery-electric cars from a major automaker. It was designed as a compact, city-oriented vehicle and was offered primarily in California through a lease program rather than a broad sales push. The car showcased Honda's approach to electric drivetrains and charging infrastructure at a time when EV technology was still evolving rapidly.
Release timeline
Key milestones in the Honda EV Plus lifecycle are summarized below.
- 1997: Honda unveils the EV Plus and begins a limited lease program in California and select areas.
- 1997–1999: The program continues with a small number of units leased to customers.
- 1999: Honda ends the EV Plus program and shifts focus to other electrification efforts.
In short, the public-facing era of the EV Plus spanned roughly from 1997 to 1999, after which the car was retired from Honda's lineup.
Legacy and context
While it did not become a mass-market model, the EV Plus contributed to Honda's long-running exploration of electric propulsion and charging technology. The program helped inform later projects in hybrid and electric vehicles, culminating in more advanced models and platform strategies in the following decades.
Summary
The Honda EV Plus came out in 1997, launching as a limited U.S. lease program that ran through about 1999. It stands as an early milestone in Honda’s electrification journey, demonstrating both the promise and the challenges of battery-electric vehicles in the 1990s.
How much will the Honda Afeela cost?
Pricing for the Sony Honda Afeela 1 will start at $89,900 and go up to $102,900 for the Signature trim. The Sony Honda Afeela 1 will compete against other all-electric sedans like the Tesla Model S, Lucid Motors Air, Porsche Taycan, BMW i7, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Audi e-tron GT.
Is Honda stopping EV production?
Honda Motor is ending U.S. production of its Acura ZDX electric crossover, citing market conditions for EVs.
When did Honda start making EV?
1997
In 1997, Honda introduced the Honda EV Plus, the first full-fledged Honda EV model with a vehicle body designed exclusively for the model. In the development of this model, Honda continued to pursue the M/M concept, a universal approach to Honda car design.
Does the Honda EV qualify for tax credits?
What is the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit? The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for electric vehicles like the Honda Prologue. This credit is designed to help introduce a new wave of customers to the incredible benefits of driving an EV, while offsetting the overall investment.
