AS drivers brace themselves for tax credit on electric vehicles to come to an end, chiefs at a major brand have taken action by culling production of one of its motors.
Execs have dramatically decided to ax the production of a car that was set to start this month.
The 2026 Acura ZDX car will not be making an appearance at dealerships across the US any time soon, as per CNBC.
It was being made at a General Motors plant in Tennessee.
The 2024 Acura ZDX premium all-electric SUV starts at $64,500.
And, drivers can choose from an array of colors, including black, blue, gray, scarlet red, white and orange.
The ZDX Type S model can go from 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds and has a battery range of 278 miles.
But, those who have invested in the ZDX A-Spec can get around 313 miles from a single charge.
Inside, the Acura ZDX boasts features such as heated seats and an 11.3 inch touchscreen.
Honda chiefs revealed the news that it was ending the production of the car in a memo to workers.
“To better align our product portfolio with the needs of our customers and market conditions, as well as our long-term strategic goals, we can confirm the Acura ZDX has ended production,” a spokesperson said.
Around 19,000 Acura ZDXs have been sold since the car was released last year.
News that the car would be discontinued comes just days before a $7,500 federal tax credit on EVs ends.
It will expire on October 1.
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheaper (depending on state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV CONS:
- Higher initial cost
- Higher insurance rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
- Poor winter and summer performance
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
GAS PROS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast refueling
- Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
- Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
GAS CONS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Car & Driver, Perch Energy, AutoWeek
The tax credit was passed in 2022 and designed to encourage drivers to make the switch from gasoline-powered cars to electric.
It was also part of former president Joe Biden’s environmental policy.
President Donald Trump has reversed this measure.
A $7,500 tax credit for new EVs is being axed, as well as a $4,000 credit that applies to buying used EVs.
Experts have warned how prices for EVs are set to rise when the credit disappears.
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, of Cox Automotive, told CNN she expects manufacturers to curb production of EVs.
Meanwhile, The U.S. Sun reported that Nissan’s Ariya EV is set to be discontinued.
And, bosses at RAM have ended production on its electric pick-up truck.
