--- title: "Honda Kills Three US-Built EVs Before They Ever Launch, Taking up to $15 Billion Loss" date: "2026-03-12" modified: "2026-03-12" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/honda-kills-three-us-built-evs-before-they-ever-launch-taking-up-to-7-5-billion-loss" categories: - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" --- # Honda Kills Three US-Built EVs Before They Ever Launch, Taking up to $15 Billion Loss ![Honda Series 0 Saloon, at left, and SUV, at right, on stage at CES.]() *\Adam Ismail\* Honda's following in the footsteps of [Ford](), General Motors, and [Stellantis]() in taking a massive bath on EVs. A key difference: Honda's won't even make it off the assembly line. On Thursday, Honda announced it will kill the 0 Series SUV, Saloon, and Acura RSX EVs and discontinue development of said vehicles. The cancellation of these three EVs, their development, and production has Honda bracing for up to a $15 billion loss. In November in Japan, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe told journalists including *The Drive* that the automaker would produce the 0 Series SUV and then the Acura RSX, which was a reskinned version of the former, in 2026 in Ohio. The 0 Series Saloon was to follow in 2027. Honda said the decision is part of a reassessment of the company's electrification strategy due to market factors including changes in the business environment. Further, the automaker called out declining profitability in its automobile business due to "unfavorable impact of changes in the U.S. tariff policies on gasoline and hybrid vehicle business" and "a decline in the competitiveness of Honda product in Asia due to the impact of the allocation of more resources to EV development." Honda cited that previous stringent environment regulations implemented in the U.S. and other countries pushed the automaker to pursue EV adotion. In February, the Trump Administration [gutted the framework behind U.S. auto emissions reguilations](). The administration also [killed Auto Start/Stop](). In November, Mibe noted that the automaker will consider building and [developing EVs that cost less than $30,000](). It's unclear if those plans are still under consideration. Mibe also confirmed Honda's already [built electric sports car prototypes](). All of Honda's new EVs were riding on a new platform that was [designed to bend on purpose]() in the name of better handling. But Honda's next-gen gas cars will use similar technology in their platforms including the [upcoming Civic Hybrid](). The [radical-looking EVs]() that were to roll out of Ohio were purposely designed to [look nothing like your neighbor's Civic](). The 0 Series Saloon looked like it was [straight out of Star Wars ]()with a wedge shape and some Lamborghini Countach vibes. Enthusiasts were up in arms about the [RSX resurrection]() being a reskinned 0 Series SUV. The high-riding electric fastback was a coupe-like SUV and nothing like the RSX enthusiasts loved, which replaced the Integra in the early 2000s. Honda said it will lean into its hybridization strategy now with these three EVs being killed before ever leaving the factory. The automaker is putting the finishing touches on a [clean-sheet V6 hybrid powertrain]() that will go into everything from the next-generation Pilot and Passport to the Odyssey, Ridgeline, and MDX. *Got a tip about a massive business shift? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()