Honda Reaches Major Agreement With Charging Networks As First EV Debuts

Thanks to new agreements with charging networks EVgo and Electrify America, access to the largest charging networks will be expanded for Honda and Acura electric vehicles.

This is in addition to roaming network partners and the previously announced news that Honda will adopt the Tesla NACS charging standard, allowing Honda and Acura EVs to tap into the Tesla Supercharger network. Honda's joint venture with six other major automakers to create a charging network that will begin operations in 2024 is also coming. Collectively, these efforts will make charging more convenient for Honda and Acura EV owners.

The EVgo and Electrify America agreements allow Honda and Acura EV owners to enjoy single-app access to thousands of chargers across the USA. These customers won't need to leave the Honda/Acura smartphone apps to find available stations, redeem credits, pay for charging, and access other features.

In tandem with the reveal of its first electric SUV, the Prologue, Honda has also announced that customers can choose one of three inclusive charging packages.

One is a $750 credit for public charging, another bundles together a Level 2 home charging station with a $500 installation credit, and the third is a $300 public charging credit with a Level 1/Level 2 portable charging kit and a $250 installation credit.

Finally, Honda and Acura EV owners will also get 60 kWh of complimentary public charging with each of these packages through Electrify America, which recently implemented new charging pricing. This offer applies to first-time Honda/Acura EV owners. Besides the Prologue, customers opting for the more premium Acura ZDX arriving early next year will have access to all the same benefits.

"Honda aims to provide our customers with easy access to the most fast-charging options of any automaker," said Jay Joseph, vice president, Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With access to a broad range of fast-charging networks: Tesla's Supercharger network; EVgo; Electrify America; and roaming partner networks, Honda and Acura EV drivers will enjoy stress-free, convenient charging away from home."

Although Honda will only launch an EV with the NACS port in 2025, the 2024 Prologue and ZDX will come with a charging adaptor for their Combined Charging System (CCS) ports to make them compatible with Tesla's Supercharging network, joining many other automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Rivian.

Honda's efforts to pursue every available charging resource must be commended and should boost the appeal of its new-generation EVs.