RT Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt)EVs ranked by total unit sold in the U.S. in Q1 2026.1) Tesla Model Y: 78,5912) Tesla Model 3: 31,6723) Toyota bZ: 10,0294) Hyundai Ioniq 5: 9,7905) Chevrolet Equinox EV: 9,5896) Rivian R1S: 5,4947) Ford Mustang Mach-E: 4,6008) Lexus RZ: 4,4569) Tesla Cybertruck: 3,51910) Cadillac Lyriq: 3,37011) Honda Prologue: 3,31912) Rivian EDV: 3,21313) Subaru Solterra: 3,04114) Cadillac Optiq: 2,84715) Kia EV9: 2,74016) Tesla Model X: 2,34617) BMW i4: 2,18418) Kia EV6: 2,02319) Hyunda ...

Core Insights - The Afeela electric vehicle, developed by Honda and Sony's joint venture, has been canceled, marking a significant shift in Honda's EV strategy in the US market [1][2][3] Group 1: Honda's EV Strategy - Honda announced a $15.7 billion write-down while canceling several upcoming EV models, leaving only the Prologue in the US market [2] - The cancellation of Afeela is part of Honda's broader reassessment of its EV plans, with a potential shift towards a hybrid-heavy lineup [4][7] - Analysts suggest that Honda may revisit its EV plans and consider producing a lower-cost model by the end of the decade [9] Group 2: Industry Context - The cancellation of Afeela is seen as unusual, especially so close to its expected launch, highlighting a growing divide in how automakers approach the US EV market [6][7] - In contrast to Honda, Toyota has accelerated its EV plans, indicating differing strategies among traditional automakers [7] - The future role of Sony Honda Mobility in Honda's revised strategy remains unclear, as discussions continue between the parent companies [10]

Group 1 - European and American automakers are gradually withdrawing from the electric vehicle market due to changing market conditions and reduced demand for electric vehicles [3][4] - In August, U.S. electric vehicle sales reached 146,000 units, accounting for 9.9% of the automotive market share, a record high, but the elimination of federal tax credits is expected to slow future adoption [3][4] - Tesla's sales in the U.S. fell by 6.7% year-on-year in August, with its market share dropping to 38%, the lowest in eight years, despite a 5.5% decrease in vehicle prices [3] Group 2 - Honda has ceased production of the Acura ZDX, citing "market conditions," with sales of the model being below 20,000 units in North America [6][8] - Stellantis has canceled plans for the Jeep Gladiator 4xe hybrid model, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards traditional combustion engines [10][12] - Ram has announced the halt of the REV 1500 electric pickup production due to decreased demand for full-size electric trucks, focusing instead on hybrid solutions [14][16] Group 3 - Bentley has abandoned its plan to completely phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, citing a decline in demand for luxury electric vehicles [17][20] - Ford has postponed the release of two electric vehicles until 2028 due to a significant drop in demand, while also planning to focus on more affordable electric models [21][23] - Porsche is shifting back to internal combustion engine models, delaying the launch of several electric vehicles and extending the production life of existing gasoline models [24][26][28]

Core Viewpoint - Honda is retracting its plans for the Acura ZDX electric vehicle due to unfavorable market conditions, indicating a broader trend among automakers to reassess their electric vehicle strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Honda's Decision - Honda is ceasing production of the Acura ZDX electric crossover in the U.S., which was produced by General Motors in Tennessee, confirming the vehicle's limited market presence in North America [1]. - The decision aims to align Honda's product portfolio with customer needs and market conditions, with plans to introduce the all-electric Acura RSX in 2026 and hybrid-electric models currently in development [2]. Group 2: Market Performance - Since its launch in May 2024, Honda has sold over 19,000 ZDXs in North America, but the company has announced a 30% cut in EV investment through the 2031 fiscal year due to a slowdown in EV market expansion [3]. - EV sales in North America have only increased by 5% in the first four months of the year, contrasting sharply with 25% growth in Europe and 35% in China, highlighting a significant regional disparity in EV adoption [3]. Group 3: Industry Trends - Other automakers are also scaling back their electric vehicle plans, with Hertz pausing a purchase of 65,000 EVs and Ford canceling plans for electric three-row SUVs while still pursuing an EV truck [5]. - Bentley's recent decision to continue investing in combustion engines, despite earlier commitments to electric vehicles by 2035, reflects a dip in demand for luxury electric vehicles [6].

Core Insights - Honda Motor is ending U.S. production of the Acura ZDX electric crossover due to market conditions for electric vehicles [1][2] - Production for the 2026 model year was set to begin at GM's Spring Hill Assembly plant, but Honda has canceled all future production [2] - Honda has sold approximately 19,000 ZDX models since its release last year, with over 11,000 sold through August of this year [3] Company Strategy - The decision to end production aligns with Honda's strategy to better match its product portfolio with customer needs and market conditions [3] - Honda plans to introduce the all-electric Acura RSX in the second half of 2026, produced at the EV Hub in Ohio, as well as hybrid-electric models currently in development [3] Production Details - The Acura ZDX was produced by General Motors in Tennessee, and the cancellation affects the planned production schedule [2] - Another Honda-branded EV, the Prologue, will continue production in Mexico despite the cancellation of the ZDX [2]