Why Are Honda’s Ultium-Based EVs Outperforming Chevy and Cadillac?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the electric vehicle market, you might have noticed something surprising: Honda’s Ultium-based EVs, like the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, are outselling their General Motors cousins—the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq—even though Honda has far fewer dealerships in the US. So, what’s driving this unexpected success? Let’s break down the real reasons behind Honda’s edge and what it means for shoppers and the industry.
Does Dealer Network Size Really Matter for EV Sales?
At first glance, you’d think more dealerships would mean more sales. After all, Chevrolet and Cadillac have a much larger dealer footprint than Honda. But the numbers tell a different story. According to recent industry data, Honda’s Prologue and Acura ZDX have posted stronger initial sales than the Blazer EV and Lyriq, despite Honda having only about a third as many US dealerships as Chevrolet.
Why? The EV buyer’s journey is changing. More shoppers are researching online, scheduling test drives digitally, and even finalizing purchases without ever stepping foot in a showroom. Honda’s streamlined approach—fewer but more focused dealerships—lets them deliver a more personalized, less overwhelming experience. In some cases, less really is more.
What Sets Honda’s Ultium-Based EVs Apart From the Competition?
Honda’s partnership with GM means their EVs share the same Ultium battery platform as the Blazer EV and Lyriq. But Honda’s execution has been different. Early reviews highlight a few key differences:
– Simpler, more intuitive infotainment systems. Honda’s interface feels familiar to longtime customers, while some GM models have faced criticism for clunky software and confusing menus.
– Competitive pricing. The Prologue and ZDX are priced to attract mainstream buyers, undercutting rivals just enough to make people take notice.
– Focused feature sets. Instead of loading up on every possible tech feature, Honda zeroed in on what buyers actually use—like advanced driver assistance and seamless smartphone integration.
It’s a classic case of knowing your audience. Honda isn’t chasing luxury for luxury’s sake or trying to dazzle with gimmicks. They’re delivering what their core customers want, and it’s paying off.
How Are Real-World Buyers Responding?
Let’s talk about what’s happening on the ground. Early adopters of the Prologue and ZDX report high satisfaction with the vehicles’ comfort, range, and reliability. Honda’s reputation for dependability carries a lot of weight, especially for buyers new to EVs who might be wary of battery longevity or software bugs.
Meanwhile, the Blazer EV and Lyriq have faced some bumps in the road. There have been well-publicized software glitches and recalls, which can shake consumer confidence—especially in a market where trust is everything. Honda’s steadier rollout, with fewer reported issues, is winning over cautious buyers.
Are There Broader Lessons for the EV Industry?
Absolutely. Honda’s success story is a wake-up call for automakers who think bigger is always better. It turns out that a focused, customer-centric approach can beat sheer scale—at least in the early innings of the EV race.
Another lesson: reliability and user experience matter more than ever. Shoppers are willing to try new technology, but they want the transition to be smooth. If an automaker can deliver that, even with fewer physical locations, they can punch above their weight.
What Should Shoppers and Industry Watchers Expect Next?
Don’t expect Honda to rest on its laurels. The company has signaled plans to expand its EV lineup and invest in charging infrastructure partnerships. Meanwhile, GM is working hard to address software hiccups and improve customer support for its Ultium-based models.
For buyers, this is good news. Competition is pushing all players to up their game, and that means better vehicles, more choices, and—hopefully—fewer headaches down the road.
The big takeaway? Winning the EV game isn’t about having the most dealerships or the flashiest features—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, whether it’s researching a new model or scheduling a test drive, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.
