Car Star Wars – Honda Debuts New Global EV Line

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Car Star Wars - Honda Debuts New Global EV Line

Click to be beamed up.

Honda today announced the “Honda 0 Series,” a new global EV line launching in 2026, represented by the world premiere of two concept models, Saloon and Space-Hub, at a trade show. During 2026, Honda will introduce a model of the Honda 0 Series based on the sedan concept in North America, followed by model introductions in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and South America. Honda also debuted a new H mark logo that will be used solely for the next-generation EV models.

“The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda. “We will create a completely new value from zero based on thin, light and wise as the foundation for our new Honda 0 EV series to further advance the joy and freedom of mobility to the next level.”

The Saloon is the flagship concept model. It is derived from a dedicated EV platform. Hand claimed that the Saloon delivers on the Honda “M/M*1” man maximum/machine minimum packaging concept with its low and wide exterior coupled with a surprisingly spacious interior. Sustainable materials are used throughout the exterior and interior. Inside, the instrument panel has a human-machine interface (HMI) that enables simple and intuitive operations.

“We have gone back to basics and formulated the Honda 0 Series with a design for the new era,” said Shinji Aoyama, Global EVP of Honda. “A bold and pure proportion that from the first glance is overwhelmingly different from other EVs to evoke a new perspective for people.”

In addition to the new exterior and interior design, the Saloon also debuts advancements of new steer-by-wire and motion control management systems. Using the company’s expertise in robotics, the Saloon has “posture control” that will assist the driver in a variety of driving situations to realize the “joy of driving” in the EV era. A production vehicle based on the Saloon concept is expected to come to the North American market in 2026.

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Car Star Wars - Honda Debuts New Global EV Line

The Space Hub enterprise interior, so to speak.

The so-called Space-Hub was developed under the theme of “augmenting people’s daily lives.” Using a spacious cabin and excellent visibility based on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, the Space-Hub offers a flexible space that accommodates a variety of passengers and becomes a “hub” that connects people to each other and the outside world.

The Honda 0 Series will have an ADAS (advanced driver-assistance system) that use the technologies found with Honda SENSING Elite, which was first deployed in 2021 with the Honda Legend in Japan. Furthermore, during the second half of the 2020s, Honda 0 Series models will be equipped with the next generation in AD (automated driving) features, including availability on more affordable EV models to introduce AD systems at a wider scale.

The next generation AD system is being developed based on Honda’s “human-centric” safety concept. It will feature advanced AI, sensing, recognition, and driver monitoring technologies to achieve more human-like, natural and high-precision risk predictions, making it possible to offer AD features people can feel safe and confident using. This advanced AD system will expand the application of some hands-off functions for use on both expressways and surface streets.

Connected Technologies

Honda is developing an original operating system for the Honda 0 Series models. using AI and driver data, the vehicle will learn the user’s preferences as well as behaviors and tendencies while driving, allowing the vehicle to make suggestions to allegedly enhance the ownership experience. Moreover, the vehicle will provide information about the surrounding areas, and additional route guidance for the “last mile” to the destination, to help users after they arrive and leave their vehicle. The vehicle will continue to offer new value as it better understands user behavior. The more people use their vehicle, the more rewarding the ownership experience becomes, adding to the “fun of being connected”. (There are many unresolved privacy, ownership, sale of customer data and other legal questions at all makers pursuing these things)

Based on decades of experience developing hybrid vehicles and other electrified products, Honda is focused on developing highly efficient electric vehicles. The Honda 0 Series models will have so-called  e-Axles*2 that will allow for excellent power and efficiency along with lightweight packaging, it’s claimed. The Honda 0 Series models will use a high-density battery that will offer ample range while minimizing battery size.

To address concerns about “charging time” and “battery degradation,” Honda 0 Series models will provide stress-free charging and battery performance that minimizes degradation over time. For the Honda 0 Series models launching in the late-2020s, fast-charging from 15% to 80% of battery capacity will be shortened to about 10-15 minutes. In the interim, by applying battery system control technology, Honda is targeting to minimize the degradation of battery capacity to less than 10% after 10 years of use.

Inevitable Honda Footnotes

1. The “man maximum, machine minimum” concept is a basic approach to Honda car design, an approach to increase the efficiency of the vehicle interior by maximizing space for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components.

2. A system that consists of a motor, inverter and gearbox, and converts electric power energy into driving force.

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