Update: Following Honda’s announcement, Acura has also confirmed that their version of the Prologue, the 2024 ZDX, is anticipated to qualify for the full federal $7,500 tax credit, for the same reasons as the former. Pre-tax credit prices for the new ZDX start from $64,500 for the base A-Spec with 358 HP, rising to $74,500 for the 500 hp Type S.
Though the American public’s enthusiasm for EVs seems to have dimmed a little, Honda dealers must be looking forward to getting their hands on the brand’s first high-volume electric car. And they’ve got even more reason feel positive about the 2024 Prologue arriving in showrooms in the next weeks now that it’s been confirmed the SUV qualifies for the full $7,500 tax credit allowance.
Honda says every example of the midsize EV built from February 26 onwards is compliant with battery sourcing requirements and so eligible for maximum credits. But models built before that date – Honda hasn’t specified how many Prologues are affected – will only qualify for the full credits if they’re leased, rather than bought.
The leasing loophole is being pushed by other carmakers whose EVs don’t qualify for credits either because they or their batteries are not manufactured in the U.S., or the cars themselves are assembled in North America but the batteries don’t come from a country that has a trade agreement with the U.S.
Related: 2024 Honda Prologue EV Starts At under $50k, Packs 296 Mile-Range
The Prologue, which is twinned with Chevy’s Blazer and built at the same GM plant in Mexico, uses General Motors’ Ultium architecture and battery tech. Chevrolet’s sister brand, Cadillac, recently announced that it has made changes to its battery sourcing program to ensure the Lyriq EV once again qualified for tax credits having been removed from the eligible list at the beginning of the year along with many other electric vehicles.
Honda’s Prologue lineup contains five different configurations consisting of three trim levels (EX, Touring and Elite) and two powertrain setups. The base, single-motor, two-wheel drive EX costs $47,400, or $41,295 after the tax credits are included, delivers 212 hp (215 PS / 158 kW) and can travel 296 miles (476 km) on a charge.
The dual-motor EX, meanwhile, costs $50,400 ($42,900 after credits), makes 288 hp (292 PS / 215 kW) and covers 281 miles (452 km) before needing a top-up. The $57,900 ($50,400) Elite flagship is only available in bi-motor guise and has a 273-mile (439 km) range.
