Honda’s 0 Series Revealed: A Vision for Next-Gen EVs
Published: October 9th, 2024.
Honda recently unveiled their upcoming “0 Series” of electric vehicles at the “Honda 0 Tech Meeting 2024.” The series represents a new phase in the company’s EV strategy, with plans to release seven models by 2030. The 0 Series is developed around a new approach they call “Thin, Light, and Wise,” prioritizing lightweight materials, streamlined designs, and advanced electric performance. This strategy highlights Honda’s intent to establish themselves more prominently in the EV market, following their earlier partnerships with companies like GM and Sony.
The initial 0 Series concepts, the “Saloon” and “Space Hub,” showcase the principles Honda plans to integrate across the series. The Saloon is a low-profile sedan, while the Space Hub resembles an SUV with design cues from the CR-V. Honda claims that both vehicles emphasize artistic design, enhanced safety, the creation of a comfortable in-car environment, and the joy of driving. They plan to expand these values across the entire series to create a distinctive EV experience.
One of the main features Honda highlighted for the 0 Series is its new EV platform. This platform includes a thinner-than-usual battery pack and a compact electric motor configuration that reduces weight and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. By positioning heavy components centrally and low to the ground, Honda hopes to improve handling and stability, two traits they emphasize as crucial to the driving experience. They also claim their new e-axle and battery pack will make the vehicle more compact without sacrificing performance.
Active aerodynamics will also play a role in the 0 Series, with Honda incorporating a front aero deflector that deploys automatically based on driving conditions. This feature is intended to minimize drag and improve range, particularly on larger vehicles more susceptible to air resistance. Honda has set a goal to achieve an EPA range of around 300 miles for the 0 Series, a figure that is somewhat modest compared to other EVs on the market but is designed with long-term durability in mind. They aim for a less than 10 percent battery degradation rate over ten years, a commitment that draws on data collected from over five million vehicles.
The series will also feature Level 3 automated driving systems, which Honda says will allow for “eyes-off” driving in a wider range of conditions. This technology is part of Honda’s efforts to advance safety and driver convenience. They also plan to enable software updates over the air, allowing the vehicle to gain new features and improvements throughout its lifespan.
Despite the futuristic elements, Honda’s move into self-developed EVs reflects their longstanding “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” design principle, which they aim to translate into the EV era. This concept emphasizes maximizing passenger comfort and space while reducing mechanical components' physical footprint and complexity.
Based on the Saloon concept, the first production-ready 0 Series model is slated for release in 2026, with a public unveiling at CES 2025. Honda has committed to various vehicle sizes within the lineup, targeting different market segments, from compact cars to larger SUVs. While it remains to be seen how the market will respond, Honda’s 0 Series signals a renewed focus on creating an EV lineup that blends advanced technology with the familiar driving experience associated with their brand.