Honda may launch a sub-$30,000 electric vehicle in the U.S. as soon as 2025 — and build it locally — according to a new report from Nikkei.
This affordable EV would be the entry point to Honda’s new 0 Series lineup, which will eventually include seven models globally by 2030. The U.S. manufacturing strategy could help Honda avoid potential import tariffs while leveraging its existing production facilities.
The automaker recently showcased its upmarket 0 Series vision at CES 2024, revealing sleek Saloon and SUV prototypes. These models are scheduled to enter production at Honda’s Ohio facilities in 2026, where they’ll be built alongside the upcoming Acura RSX electric SUV and the Afeela 1 — a premium EV developed through Honda’s partnership with Sony.
Honda’s moving quickly to transform its U.S. manufacturing capability. The company is investing heavily in retooling three existing plants and constructing a $3.5 billion battery facility. Their Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio could soon produce hundreds of EVs daily — a production rate that would trail only Tesla among U.S. manufacturers.
American Honda representatives declined to comment on the report.
The timing of this affordable EV announcement marks a significant shift in Honda’s strategy. Just last month at CES, CEO Toshihiro Mibe suggested that a $30,000 price point wouldn’t be feasible until “very late in the 2020s,” citing the need for advanced battery technology — particularly solid-state batteries — to achieve that target.
The company maintains flexibility in its production planning, noting that the balance between EVs and traditional gasoline vehicles will depend on market demand. This pragmatic approach reflects the uncertain pace of EV adoption in the U.S. market.
