Honda Motor Co. offered the first look at some of the next-generation technology for its forthcoming “0 Series” electric vehicles during the company’s “Honda 0 Tech Meeting 2024” on Oct. 9 in Japan.
Prototypes of two 0 Series EVs were unveiled at CES in January, which included the futuristic Space Hub and Saloon concepts. Honda plans to launch a production version of the Saloon in 2026 that it says will closely resemble the concept shown at CES. The automaker will position the Saloon as the flagship model for the new 0 Series sub-brand.
Honda plans to launch seven 0 Series EVs globally by 2030 that include small, medium and large models.
Honda refers to the overall design theme of its 0 Series EVs as “Thin, Light and Wise.” The company uses the term “wise” in reference to the smart technologies the EVs will feature, including an advanced driver assist system, automated driving capabilities and vehicle software powered by artificial intelligence.
During CES earlier this year, Honda said it was developing an advanced operating system for 0 Series electric models that uses AI and vehicle data to learn driver preferences and behaviors to make suggestions.
The next-generation EVs will feature new diagnosis and prediction technology collected from 5 million Honda vehicles with a goal of limiting battery degradation to less than 10% after a decade of use, the company said.
Honda 0 Series EVs will feature more compact and efficient powertrains that will be built on a newly developed high-strength steel platform, designed to improve crash protection. Honda said the more durable platform also allows it to reduce the protective space around the battery, reducing the weight by approximately 100 kilograms (220 pounds) compared to its current EVs.
Honda expects to achieve additional weight reduction for its 0 Series EVs with its “Intelligent Power Unit.” The component, which houses the battery and controlling hardware, will use a new megacasting process during manufacturing that reduces the number of required parts from 60 to five.
Honda’s engineers also plan to reduce the size of the power inverter by roughly 40%, allowing it to be placed horizontally beside the electric motor and overcoming a long-time design hurdle.
Additionally, the vehicle’s platform will utilize a compact e-axle mounted low in its floor to achieve a lower center of gravity.
Honda also said it will adopt a new steering stability feature for its 0 Series EVs with the ability to flex the vehicle’s body to control the load on each tire during cornering to improve traction.
Another 0 Series model, equipped with Honda’s latest technologies, will be revealed at CES 2025 in January, the company said.
