Honda’s future 0 Series EVs debut at CES 2024

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is today not only an important event for the launch of new and future products in the electronics industry but also for carmakers. The dominance of tech in today’s cars has increased relevance in the event, leading some carmakers to stop participating in the big traditional international motorshows.

At CES this year, Honda is presenting its ‘0 Series’ which will be a new global series of EVs starting production from 2025. While Honda has been strong in hybrid (or what it calls e:HEV) technology, it has also been advancing in EV development and like many other carmakers, sees that EV models need to get a fresh and separate start in its future model line-up.

“The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda. “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.”

“We have gone back to basics and formulated the Honda 0 Series with a design for the new era,” explained Shinji Aoyama, Global Executive Vice-President of Honda. “A bold and pure proportion that from the first glance is overwhelmingly different from other EVs to evoke a new perspective for people.”

The new 0 series is previewed by two concept models known as Saloon and Space-Hub. In 2026, Honda will introduce a production version of the Saloon concept as the first 0 Series model. It will go on sale in North America first, followed by introductions in Japan, Asia, and Europe. Markets in Africa, the Middle East and South America will eventually get the EV, though it will probably be in the second half of the decade.

The 0 Series represents a new approach to the development of future electrified vehicles, outlined by three core principles: Thin, Light, and Wise. These principles counter the traditional constraints of battery electric vehicles while building on long standing Honda engineering philosophies. These principles will be reflected in key areas like the use of a dedicated ‘thin’ EV platform that creates a low floor for aerodynamic performance and software-defined mobility products for a ‘wise’ and intelligent user experience.

Additionally, the new EV models will introduce advancements in design, automated driving, connected technologies, performance, and battery efficiency.

Models in the series will adopt a new design philosophy called ‘The Art of Resonance’ which brings together the environment, society, and users in harmony. This includes the use of sustainable materials and evoking emotion through design.

First look at Saloon
The Saloon concept represents the flagship model of the 0 Series. While it has a new dedicated EV platform, the Saloon retains the ‘M/M’ (man maximum/machine minimum) packaging concept that has been used by Honda designers for decades.

This gives a surprisingly spacious interior within a low and wide exterior. Inside, the instrument panel features a HMI (human-machine interface) with simple and intuitive operations. Excellent visibility and a sporty driving position are provided to give the driver a strong connection to the car.

The Saloon also debuts advancements of new steer-by-wire and motion control management systems. Drawing on the company’s decades of expertise in robotics (remember ASIMO?), the Saloon features posture control that will assist the driver in a variety of driving situations. Sustainable materials are also used in many areas.

The Space-Hub
The Space-Hub was developed under the theme of ‘augmenting people’s daily lives’. Its spacious cabin and excellent visibility are based on the ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ development approach. The flexible space can accommodate many passengers and becomes a ‘hub’ that connects people to each other and the outside world.

Battery technology
With the battery as a key element in EVs, developing more advanced technology in future is a priority. Using decades of experience developing hybrid vehicles and other electrified products, Honda is focused on developing highly efficient electric vehicles.

To address concerns about charging time and battery degradation, Honda engineers are developing the new EVs with ‘stress-free charging and battery performance’ that minimizes degradation over time. By the late-2020s, the 0 Series models will have fast-charging from 15% to 80% of battery pack capacity shortened to about 10 – 15 minutes. By applying battery system control technology, Honda is targeting to minimize the degradation of battery capacity to less than 10% after 10 years of use.

Along with lightweight packaging, the future 0 Series models will feature e-Axles for efficient power delivery and overall running efficiency. They will also use a high-density battery that will offer ample range while having minimized dimensions.

More advanced safety technologies
The 0 Series will utilize the technologies found with Honda SENSING Elite, already available in Legend sold in Japan. Additionally, in the second half of the 2020s, they will be equipped with the next generation of AD (automated driving) features.

The future AD system is being developed based on Honda’s human-centric safety concept. It will have advanced AI, sensing, recognition, and driver monitoring technologies to achieve more human-like, natural and high-precision risk predictions. This advanced AD system will expand the application of some hands-off functions for use on both expressways and urban streets.

Connected Technologies
Honda is developing an original operating system for the 0 Series. Utilizing AI and driver data, the car  will learn the user’s preferences as well as behaviours and tendencies while driving, allowing the system to make suggestions to enhance the ownership experience.

The system will also provide information about the surrounding areas, and additional route guidance for the ‘last mile’ to the destination, to help users after they arrive and leave their vehicle. The vehicle will continue to offer new value as it better understands user behaviour. The more people use their vehicle, the more rewarding the ownership experience can become.

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