Honda is planning to launch a host of new electric vehicles and it will build them using new methods, from the ground up, or as the automaker calls it, from “zero.”

This Honda 0 Series will develop EVs with a “thin, light and wise” approach, the automaker said.

What this all means is that Honda is planning new electric vehicles – and not just a few – with a plan to launch seven Honda 0 Series vehicles by 2030 globally, including small-, medium- and large-size models.

The first is planned to go into production in 2026.

Honda unveiled a pair of Honda 0 Series concept vehicles at CES 2024 back in January, one being the Saloon and the other the Space-Hub.

It’s the Saloon, which will be closely based on the Saloon concept, that will go into production first, which Honda says will be the flagship model of the series.

So, what’s so special about this from zero approach?

Honda says all Honda 0 Series vehicles will offer five core values, those being:

1. Artistic design that resonates with people
2. Automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ADAS) that ensures safety and peace of mind
3. New value of EV as a “space” for people made possible by the internet of things (IoT) and connected technologies
4. The joy of driving with the feeling of oneness with the vehicle
5. Outstanding electricity efficiency performance

Thin, light and wise

The “thin, light and wise” methodology will be included in this new series of vehicles.

Explaining “thin,” Honda says the vehicles will offer a “man maximum, machine minimum” concept, which makes EVs comfortable, with a low vehicle height and short overhangs.

Speaking of “light,” Honda says the new approach will strive to offer sporty driving and top-class electricity efficiency.

As for “wise,” Honda says it will create original software-defined vehicles and make the vehicles wiser. This would involve the development of an original Honda OS, and offering intelligent technologies optimized for each customer. These technologies would also be updated even after the vehicle has been purchased.

New EV platform

Honda says its newly developed dedicated EV platform allows it to create thin, low-height and safe vehicle styles.

Combining this new platform with a thin battery pack and a compact e-Axle, the new Honda vehicles will offer a low centre of gravity and low inertia by placing heavy components low and in the centre of the vehicle, all of which offers vehicle stability and allows for sporty driving, Honda says.

Honda’s thin battery pack will be made six per cent thinner thanks to methods such as megacasting and 3D friction stir welding. What’s more, Honda says it is striving to create a battery pack that would degrade less than 10 per cent of its capacity over 10 years of use.

The new vehicles are planned to feature an active aerodynamic system, which would help reduce driving energy usage and improve straight-line vehicle stability, as in a more comfortable ride on the highway.

The above are just snippets as Honda has a lot more to say about its Honda 0 Series. If you’d like to learn more, visit the automaker’s website.

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