As a result, automakers have had to get creative and are forging partnerships with unlikely companies. In the case of the new Prologue (and Acura ZDX), Honda teamed up with General Motors to develop these cars. As a result, they are underpinned by GM’s BEV3 platform and use Ultium batteries and drive motors. Honda has also partnered with Sony to create the Afeela electric luxury sedan.
GM and Honda intended to co-develop small and affordable electric vehicles, but the Japanese automaker pulled out of the partnership due to changes in the greater business environment. On the other hand, Nissan and its Alliance partners Mitsubishi and Renault have invested billions in bringing new EVs to market by 2030.
Japanese brands, including Toyota and Mazda, have been slow to embrace electrification, unlike their Chinese counterparts. This strategy seems to be paying off for now, as the EV market has stalled in recent months, and several European and American brands have rejigged their future EV plans.
