Add some more to the list of discontinued electric vehicles.
Farewell, Honda Zero. Your time was brief.
Honda has announced the cancellation of its Zero Series SUV and Saloon, along with the Acura RSX EVs, citing an “extremely challenging earnings situation.” The Japanese carmaker, which unsuccessfully attempted a merger with Nissan last year, is projecting a net loss of 360 billion yen (~$2.5 billion) to 630 billion yen (~$4.4 billion) for the full year ending this month. According to The Financial Times, this would mark Honda’s first annual loss since going public 50 years ago.
Facing challenges from President Trump’s tariffs, Honda was among the most ambitious automakers in the electric vehicle sector. The company had aimed to launch 30 new EVs by 2030, achieving 2 million units sold, 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040, and reaching carbon neutrality for all products and activities by 2050. However, Honda is now reporting a loss on its EV investment, ranging from 340 billion yen to 570 billion yen ($2.14 billion to $3.58 billion).
Honda isn’t alone in dealing with sluggish EV sales in the U.S., alongside increasing competition from China. Ford announced a $19.5 billion write-down on its EV investments — one of the largest in corporate history. GM reported a $7.6 billion charge on EVs, while Stellantis recorded a massive $26.6 billion hit.
The Honda Zero series was intended to blend affordability with advanced technology. The Saloon and SUV drew inspiration from the automaker’s Formula 1 experience, featuring designs reminiscent of iconic ’70s and ’80s vehicles like the Lamborghini Countach, AMC Gremlin, and Aston Martin Lagonda Shooting Brake. The Zero EVs were anticipated to offer around 300 miles of range.
Honda decided to halt the EVs, along with the Acura RSX, to prevent further losses, attributing their decision to the “current business environment where the demand for EVs is declining significantly.” Instead, the company plans to focus more on hybrids.
Add these to the growing list of discontinued electric vehicles.