Future "Honda 0” EV Models Previewed By Two Concepts at CES 2024
While Honda and GM have scrapped a tie-up that was aimed at producing "affordable" electric vehicles from 2027, the former is now focusing on a new global EV series called “Honda 0” (we’re not making this up) and represented by the world premiere of two concepts at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
The first production model will launch in North America in 2026, and others will follow in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America.
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“The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs,” Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said. “We will create a completely new value from zero based on thin, light and wise as the foundation for our new Honda 0 EV series to further advance the joy and freedom of mobility to the next level.”
Mibe also talked about a new approach to the development of electrified vehicles—outlined by three core principles: Thin, Light and Wise—and a new design philosophy called “The Art of Resonance” which brings together the environment, society and users in harmony, including the use of sustainable materials.
What does all that mean exactly? Let’s take a closer look at the two concepts.
Honda 0 Saloon
A production vehicle based on the Saloon concept is expected to come to the North American market in 2026, Honda confirmed at CES. It will debut a new “H mark” logo to be used exclusively for the automaker’s next-generation EV models.
Styling is unlike anything else on the road right now, although some people might see influences from Lamborghini (nose) and the DeLorean (gullwing doors). It’s definitely more about functionality, namely aerodynamics, than beauty.
Sustainable materials are used throughout the exterior and interior. The ultra-spacious cabin offers excellent visibility and a sporty driving position, complete with a posture control system that will assist the driver in a variety of situations. The layout and controls are pretty futuristic, as is often the case with concepts, but don’t expect anything similar in the production model.
Honda 0 Space-Hub
Now, here we have a van-like concept aimed at a large family or a group of friends. Honda designers once again insisted on visibility and space, as evidenced by the large greenhouse surrounding the cabin.
Super-wide doors provide access to the second- and third-row seats, which face each other to enable easy interaction between rear passengers. The company also described the interior as highly versatile, likely meaning that modular seating and cargo arrangements are part of the package.
As these are little more than design studies, Honda didn’t share any specs about the powertrain or battery. It merely said that Honda 0 models will feature e-Axles allowing for excellent power and efficiency along with lightweight packaging, plus a high-density battery offering ample range while minimizing battery size. By the late 2020s, fast-charging times from 15-80 percent will be cut to about 10-15 minutes, Honda promised.
One last thing: an advanced driver assistance system that utilizes the technologies found with Honda SENSING Elite, which was first deployed in 2021 with the Honda Legend in Japan, will enable level 3 autonomy around town and on the highway.