In a significant move towards environmental responsibility, Honda has renewed its partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), focusing on sustainability initiatives. This season, fans will witness Honda’s Prologue EV showcased prominently, symbolizing the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The collaboration aims to educate and inspire fans about sustainable practices in sports through various initiatives. Honda plans to introduce more electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years, including an electric SUV and saloon, further solidifying its dedication to eco-friendly transportation.
Renewed Partnership Marks a Sustainable Shift
In the crisp, vibrant autumn of 2023, Honda extended its longstanding 17-year partnership with the NHL, but this time with a unique twist. The focus is now on promoting sustainability within the league. Fans attending games this year will have the opportunity to see Honda’s first electric SUV, the Prologue, which has already made waves as one of the top-selling EVs in the United States. Since its launch in March 2024, Honda delivered over 33,000 Prologues, ranking it seventh among the best-selling electric vehicles in the country.
The Prologue’s presence at NHL events marks the beginning of Honda’s efforts to make the sport more environmentally friendly. The company has launched an educational series called “Skating for Sustainability,” aimed at informing fans about the NHL’s green initiatives. Honda’s broader goal is to achieve zero environmental impact by 2050, with plans to sell only electric or fuel cell vehicles by 2040. Next year, Honda will unveil two new EV models in Ohio, part of its upcoming “0 Series.” Prototypes of these vehicles were revealed earlier this year at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
From a journalist’s perspective, Honda’s renewed partnership with the NHL signals a promising shift towards a greener future. By integrating sustainability into the heart of sports entertainment, Honda sets an example for other industries to follow. This initiative not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also encourages consumers to consider electric vehicles as viable and attractive options. As we watch the Prologue grace NHL arenas, we are reminded that small steps today can lead to significant changes tomorrow, paving the way for a more sustainable world.
The Hong Kong-listed shares of BYD experienced a significant surge on Tuesday, climbing as high as 4% before stabilizing. This remarkable performance highlights the market's enthusiasm for the company's latest advancements in smart-driving technology. Over the past week, BYD's stock has seen a 15% increase, and it has risen by 27% since the start of the year. Investors are optimistic about BYD's strategic move to integrate self-driving features into its vehicles, positioning itself as a leader in innovation within the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
BYD is set to introduce self-driving capabilities across 21 new models, maintaining or even reducing prices for some vehicles. This bold step marks a shift from the company's previously cautious approach to autonomous driving. The integration of "God’s Eye," a standard feature in even its most affordable models, underscores BYD's commitment to accessibility and affordability. For higher-end vehicles, BYD plans to incorporate advanced AI technology from DeepSeek, enhancing both safety and convenience. This move not only showcases BYD's technological prowess but also demonstrates China's capability to innovate at lower costs compared to Western competitors.
BYD's decision to offer self-driving features in low-cost vehicles sends a strong message to global markets. While the company does not currently sell in the US, its competitive pricing strategy will intensify rivalry in other regions. Last year, BYD surpassed Tesla to become the world's largest EV manufacturer. Analysts, including those at Goldman Sachs, believe this development signifies a major milestone in the mass-market adoption of autonomous driving technology. BYD's leadership in this area enhances its competitive edge, setting a new benchmark for innovation and affordability in the automotive industry.
Lucid Motors, the rapidly rising star in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, has set its sights on an ambitious goal: producing one million EVs annually by the early 2030s. CEO Peter Rawlinson unveiled this vision during a recent summit, highlighting the company's plans to enter the mass market with a midsize platform priced around $50,000. This move is expected to position Lucid as a direct competitor to Tesla. The launch of the Gravity SUV, featuring an impressive EPA-estimated range of 450 miles, marks a significant milestone in Lucid’s journey toward achieving exponential sales growth and technological leadership.
Rawlinson emphasized that the Gravity is more than just an aesthetically appealing vehicle; it represents a breakthrough in EV technology. With a 123 kWh battery, the Gravity achieves an unprecedented driving range of up to 450 miles, showcasing Lucid’s commitment to innovation. According to Rawlinson, this achievement underscores the company’s possession of some of the most advanced technology globally. He noted that Lucid was the first to introduce an EV with a 520-mile range three years ago, a feat that no other manufacturer has come close to matching since.
The Gravity SUV is just the beginning of Lucid’s aggressive expansion strategy. Following its successful delivery of over 10,200 vehicles last year—a 70% increase from the previous year—the company plans to introduce a midsize platform that will include both sedan and crossover models. These vehicles, starting at approximately $50,000, are designed to compete directly with Tesla’s popular Model Y and Model 3. Rawlinson made it clear that Lucid’s ambition extends far beyond being a niche luxury brand. Instead, the company aims to leverage its cutting-edge technology to reduce production costs and mass-produce EVs efficiently.
Lucid’s technological prowess extends beyond its own product line. The company is actively licensing its proprietary powertrain technology to other automakers, including a recent partnership with Aston Martin. Rawlinson revealed that Lucid is in discussions with several other manufacturers about similar licensing agreements. This strategic approach not only diversifies Lucid’s revenue streams but also positions the company as a key player in the global push toward electric mobility. By offering its advanced technology to others, Lucid aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs while establishing itself as a leader in the industry.
To achieve its ambitious production targets, Lucid plans to implement progressive steps. After launching the Air sedan and the Gravity SUV, the company will begin producing its midsize platform in late 2026. Rawlinson believes that Lucid’s efficient technology will provide a significant cost advantage, allowing the company to offer competitive ranges at lower price points. Additionally, Lucid is developing an affordable “Atlas” drive unit, which Rawlinson described as a revolutionary advancement that will further reduce EV costs. As the EV market continues to grow, Lucid’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships are poised to drive the company toward its million-EV goal.