News: 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec and ZDX Type S EV
Gets Pebble Beach Debut at the Monterey Car Week
One year ago Acura teased its first electric vehicle; this week it rolled-out the production intent version of that vehicle—the 2024 ZDX EV. Available in ZDX A-Spec and ZDX Type S performance versions, it fulfills what Acura says will “demonstrate its commitment to performance in the electrified era.”
The ZDX is the first step by Acura (with help from its parent company Honda) to move to 100% zero emission vehicles by 2040 when it appears early next year. It will be part of 30 Honda/Acura EVs hitting the market worldwide. Everything the company does is planned to be carbon-neutral by 2050. Zero emissions includes electricity, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and whatever new propulsion sources will be developed between now and then.
To get there Honda, who has announced the Prologue SUV, has entered into a technical relationship with General Motors who will share their Ultium Platform, currently used on the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, the GMC Hummer and Hummer SUV, and the upcoming GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Equinox, Silverado and next generation Chevrolet Bolt.
While the chassis and lithium-ion batteries will be from General Motors, the Acura ZDX twins, and the Honda Prologue SUV are designed by Acura and Honda. The Honda Prologue is also set to be in dealers in 2024.
Propulsion, Charging, Range and Performance
ZDX A-Spec
Single, rear-mounted motor
Rear-wheel drive
340 horsepower
325-mile All Electric Range (AER)
ZDX A-Spec
Dual motors
All-wheel drive (AWD)
315-mile AER
ZDX S-Type
Dual motors
AWD
500 horsepower
288-mile AER
DC Fast Charging at rates up to 190 kilowatt (kW) will deliver approximately 81 miles in 10 minutes for the 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Acura has partnered with seven auto manufactures that have joined forces to create a high-speed, brand-neutral public charging network in the United States and Canada. This joint venture has set a goal of 30,000 DC Fast Chargers by 2030 to be located for urban and highway charging. The first chargers will be in the United States in 2024 with Canada rolled-out soon thereafter.
Acura did not release any performance information, but with the batteries placed low under the floor and the company’s racing DNA, the ZDX should handle well with the ZDX S-Type being a blast to attack country roads and mountain twisties. Clean Fleet Report will write a full driving review sometime later in 2023 that will detail the suspension, tires, brakes and driving attributes.
Design Cues
The ZDX has a long front hood, a 3-D embossed diamond pattern grille with an illuminated surround strip, narrow Jewel Eye LED headlights, and the Acura statement Chicane daytime running lights. The near-flat roof, with rack rails and a shark fin antenna, should give rear seat passengers ample headroom. The sides are smooth with the rear having a small spoiler over the liftgate. The butter-knife shaped, narrow LED taillights connect the fenders to the liftgate. Tucking the rear wiper under the spoiler would have made for an even more upscale look.
The interior grabs your attention with a 22.3-inches high-definition digital screen that combines the 11-inch driver information cluster and the 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard on all ZDX models is the Bang & Olufsen audio system with 18 speakers and a 14-channel amplifier and subwoofer. Look for SiriusXM, FM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google built-in to provide the entertainment.
Safety
All ZDX models will come with AcuraWatch, the brand’s proprietary advance driver assistance systems (ADAS). Upgrading to the Hands Free Cruise technology, the ZDX can be driven with hands-free assistance on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads.
Pricing and Availability
Production should begin in mid-2023 with an on-sale date of early 2024. Pricing for the ZDX A-Spec single motor is expected to start at $60,000 with the ZDX Type S at $70,000. Clean Fleet Report will post final pricing in late 2023.
2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec and ZDX Type S EV
Acura is going from no electric cars to at least two with the 2024 ZDX A-Spec and ZDX Type S. Expect there to be more announced in the coming months as Acura and parent company Honda try to make up for lost time in the march to offer electric vehicles.
But Wait, There’s More
Acura wasn’t content to just show off what it’s been working on since last year’s concept car reveal. It showed a little more of where it’s going in EV design.
Clean Fleet Report wishes we could tell you more, but like us, you will have to wait over the coming months for Acura to leak-out more tidbits.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Acura.