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Honda launched a new series of electric vehicles (EVs) at the CES event in Las Vegas this week. The consumer electronics show is now a massive exhibit for automakers, a show that used to be reserved for smaller electronics like video games, computers and cell phones.
The global Honda 0 Series will launch in 2026 first with a model based on the North American Saloon concept shown at CES. It will be followed by other models for Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and South America.
Honda says both the Saloon and Space-Hub concepts were design and engineered using a new approach, and that "it has gone back to basics" to give people a new perspective and doesn't want to follow the trend of "thick, heavy" EVs, according to CEO Toshihiro Mibe.
"This is a lot of news to unpack for Honda, and it sets the stage for an exciting close to this decade for the automaker. The Saloon is particularly intriguing since Honda is saying that it foreshadows a production model due in 2026; that's a short and exciting timeframe for a vehicle with such a forward-thinking design. Just how much of that design makes it to the real thing will be fun to watch out for," David Undercoffler, Editor-in-Chief of Autolist.com told Newsweek.
The low-slung Saloon EV will be the flagship of the series riding on a dedicated EV platform. Honda says it uses sustainable materials inside and out. With a philosophy that aims for more space for humans and less for the machine, the wide exterior offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. Honda's EV platform will be also be thin, with a low, aerodynamic floor and more interior space.
Honda says the concept also uses steer-by-wire technology using the company's experience in robotics, however, it will prioritize the enjoyment of driving with its sportcar-like driving posture. A production car based on the Saloon concept will come to the North American market in 2026.
The second concept is called Space-Hub, which has the look of a minivan and seems primed for autonomous driving. The company says the vehicle will offer flexible space and become a hub "that connects people to each other and the outside world."
Before either of those concepts come to fruition the U.S. will see the 2024 Honda Prologue on public roads. The electric SUV, which is slightly larger than the company's popular CR-V, is on sale now for around $50,000. The Prologue was built in partnership with General Motors and uses the American company's Ultium EV platform.
"All this comes on the heels of the surprising news in October that the automaker was ending its short-lived EV partnership with GM, which was focused on building affordable EVs for the masses. That announcement happened before Honda was even able to bring to market its Acura ZDX luxury electric crossover and its Honda Prologue compact EV crossover, two models it co-developed with GM," said Undercoffler.
Additionally, at the CES event Honda introduced its new H mark logo that will be used for its next EV models. The current Honda H dates to 1981. The new design is said to symbolize two outstretched hands and represents "Honda's commitment to meet the needs of its customers," according to the press release. Honda says the new H will be used on future Honda 0 Series vehicles.
As expected, the future Honda 0 Series vehicles will feature the next generation of Honda's advanced driver-assist system currently named Honda Sensing. The next generation will feature advanced AI, sensing, recognition, and monitoring technologies to drive more naturally.
Honda says it will expand the application of some of its hands-off driving functions as well. They will also be connected to the internet and infrastructure, learning the user's preferences and making suggestions.
The 0 Series vehicles will use an e-axle, a contained system that consists of a motor, inverter and gearbox, and powers the wheels. It's also paying special attention to battery size and longevity, using a smaller, lighter weight unit that will fast charge from 15 to 80 percent in 10-15 minutes. With battery controls Honda is aiming to minimize the degradation of battery capacity to less than 10 percent over 10 years. The current average degradation rate is about 2 percent per year.
"The brand acknowledged that the CES announcement of the Honda 0 Series was 'starting from the beginning,' so clearly Honda isn't wasting any time in pivoting to a new direction of EVs as it works to hit its self-imposed deadline of selling only electric vehicles by 2040," said Undercoffler.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is a Newsweek Autos managing editor based in Detroit. His focus is reporting on the auto industry. He has covered ... Read more