After canceling EVs, Honda laughably tells EV owners to buy a gas guzzler instead

Following the cancellation of its only electric vehicle in the US market, Honda has drawn criticism for advising Prologue owners to “consider a hybrid” instead. The suggestion comes across as tone-deaf, given that most EV drivers report little interest in returning to combustion engines after experiencing the benefits of electric driving. The move underscores a broader strategic retreat from battery-electric vehicles at a time when global demand for EVs continues to climb.

For Saudi buyers, the Prologue was not officially sold in the Kingdom, but the news carries implications. Honda’s local lineup remains focused on petrol-powered sedans and SUVs, with no dedicated EV model currently offered. In the mid-size electric SUV segment, rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and the locally assembled Lucid Air are gaining traction. Honda’s decision to steer owners toward hybrids rather than electrics suggests a cautious, if not hesitant, approach to the EV transition.

Saudi shoppers considering a Honda SUV should watch for the brand’s long-term electrification plans. If Honda globally is scaling back EV investment, future model availability and charging support in the Kingdom could be affected. Meanwhile, competitors like Toyota are pushing multiple hybrid options, and Chinese brands such as BYD are aggressively entering the Saudi market with full-electric offerings. The contrast is stark: Honda is essentially telling new energy adopters to go back to fossil fuels.

Industry observers note that once drivers switch to electric, the satisfaction rate is extremely high. Range anxiety fades, running costs drop, and the driving experience feels smoother. Telling seasoned EV owners to “consider a hybrid” – a compromise between gas and electric – is unlikely to win converts. For Saudi buyers eyeing a new vehicle, this episode is a reminder to check how committed a manufacturer is to the EV future.

In the end, Honda’s message may sound laughable, but it carries a serious signal for the Saudi market. As the Kingdom pushes toward its 30% EV target by 2030, brands that waver on electrics risk losing relevance. If you’re in the market for an EV, it might be wiser to look toward automakers that are all-in on the technology, not those still telling customers to pick a gas guzzler.