Honda reveals plans to launch an electric vehicle with a futuristic design
Honda has just unveiled the 0 Series electric vehicle line, featuring a dedicated platform, impressive design, and advanced smart technologies.
At the Honda 0 Tech Meeting 2024 event, the Japanese automaker introduced the development roadmap for the 0 Series, designed with the philosophy of "thin, light, smart." Earlier, the concept Saloon from this future lineup was showcased at CES 2024.
According to Honda’s latest announcement, the commercial version of the Saloon will enter production in 2026. By 2030, the company plans to release seven models under the 0 Series globally, five of which will be hybrids.
Production will kick off in Ohio in 2025, employing advanced techniques like Gigacasting to reduce production costs by 35%. Honda aims to sell 750,000 electric vehicles in North America by the end of the decade, showcasing its commitment to the electrification race.
Honda stated that the electric models in the 0 Series will feature a slim design with short front and rear overhangs, and a low overall height, while still ensuring a spacious cabin.
The company is also optimizing the design to reduce vehicle weight, enhancing performance and sportiness. To achieve this, Honda has developed a new EV platform with slimmer batteries and a compact e-axle.
The inverter, which is 40% smaller, helps reduce the front overhang, while the battery casing is 6% thinner and integrated into the vehicle's structure, ensuring both safety and a roomier cabin.
The Steer-by-wire electronic steering system, which eliminates the need for a steering column, significantly contributes to the slim, lightweight design. Additionally, Honda is incorporating active aerodynamics to reduce drag and extend the vehicle's driving range.
The first 0 Series models will use a 400-volt architecture, equipped with an 80-90 kWh battery, offering a range of approximately 482 kilometers per charge, according to EPA standards. Later models will be upgraded to an 800-volt system with over 100 kWh batteries and ultra-fast charging capability.
Honda is also focusing on autonomous driving technology, planning to equip all 0 Series models with Level 3 self-driving systems, allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road in certain situations.
Notably, Honda emphasized the development of its own operating system for the 0 Series. This system will continuously monitor and collect data to optimize vehicle features based on each customer’s habits, making the electric cars truly "smart."
The first electric vehicles from the Honda 0 Series are expected to debut at CES 2025. Honda promises that the commercial version of the Saloon will closely resemble the concept model, complete with gull-wing doors and an exterior design reminiscent of a high-speed electric train gliding on the road.
Original article and pictures by AutoPro
