Honda has halted development of a large electric SUV that was scheduled to launch in 2027, as weakening demand and political uncertainty in the United States raise concerns about the viability of the model, Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported.
The decision reflects shifting market conditions in the U.S., Honda’s key EV growth market, where consumer demand for electric vehicles has softened and the future of EV subsidies remains unclear. The U.S. was expected to be the primary market for the large SUV, which was part of Honda’s upcoming “0 Series” EV lineup.
According to the report, Honda cited concerns over potential delays and financial risks associated with the SUV project, especially given the planned expiration of U.S. federal EV tax credits in September 2025. The large seven-seater was designed to cater to families and buyers in need of ample cabin space, particularly in the U.S. where full-size SUVs remain popular.
Despite the setback, Honda plans to continue with other models in the 0 Series, including a flagship sedan and a midsize SUV. Both vehicles were first revealed as prototypes at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, showcasing a new design direction and a dedicated EV platform with a targeted range of at least 480 kilometers. Production for these models is scheduled to take place in Ohio at the Honda Marysville Auto Plant.
The decision to pause the SUV project follows earlier signals of a broader recalibration of Honda’s electrification strategy. In April, the company postponed plans to build a large EV production hub in Canada and later revised its development roadmap to place greater emphasis on hybrid vehicles, which can be manufactured on the same production lines as battery-electric models.
The large SUV was one of seven models Honda had announced for global release under the 0 Series by 2030, excluding China, where the company’s joint ventures are pursuing region-specific product strategies. No update has been provided on the remaining four models in the pipeline.
