<div id="readability-page-1"><figure><img width="1600" height="800" src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/new-element-ev.jpg/query-cXVhbGl0eT04MiZzdHJpcD1hbGwmdz0xNjAw?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/new-element-ev.jpg/query-cXVhbGl0eT04MiZzdHJpcD1hbGwmdz0xNjAw"/><figcaption>Honda Element concept; made with ChatGPT.</figcaption></figure><p>Ask anyone who owned or owns one, and they’ll tell you that Honda Element was ahead of its time, delivering a flexible interior, car-like ride, and SUV-levels of visibility –and, if Honda really wanted to, they could roll out an all-new, all-electric Element riding on an Ultium-style electric skateboard tomorrow.</p><span id="more-447342"></span><p>Honda’s first Element made its debut way back in 2003, when it was still a bit strange to think of companies like Cadillac, Volkswagen, and Porsche selling anything as big and clunky as an SUV. It earned plenty of fans, however, and for all the same reasons, they’ll love an electric Element even more.</p><p>Consider the following:</p><h2 id="h-car-like-handling">Car-like handling</h2><hr/><figure><img height="512" width="1024" src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/ultium-skateboard.jpg/query-cXVhbGl0eT04MiZzdHJpcD1hbGwmdz0xMDI0?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/ultium-skateboard.jpg/query-cXVhbGl0eT04MiZzdHJpcD1hbGwmdz0xMDI0"/><figcaption>Ultium chassis; via GM.</figcaption></figure><p>The original Element rolled around on a lot of bits originally developed for the Honda Civic –widely regarded as a fun-to-drive, great-handling little car. That car-based chassis earned it some mockery among automotive journalists who, more than two decades ago, still widely believed that an SUV <em>had</em> to have some off-road chops to it.</p></div>

<p>The Honda Element, known for its flexible interior, car-like ride, and SUV-level visibility, is suggested for an electric update. Originally debuting in 2003, the Element was ahead of its time and could benefit from an Ultium-style electric skateboard chassis. Fans of the original would likely appreciate an electric version for its car-like handling and modern electric features.</p>

Past classic that deserves an electric update: Honda Element