Honda’s 0 Series EV concepts look straight out of ‘Star Wars’

Honda is launching a new series of electric cars called the “0 Series” with two concepts: a pickup truck-like vehicle called the Space-Hub and a sleeker but still original family car called the Saloon. “Saloon” might be the European term for sedan, but instead of a classic three-volume car, Honda’s sedan has a large wedge shape. Unveiling itself at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, don’t think it’s just another one of the concepts that will never see the light of day, as Honda has proven that the sedan will be produced in North America by 2026.

Designed as the flagship of the 0 Series, the sedan is based on a committed EV platform. Designed to be spacious, low and wide, it uses durable fabrics throughout, an interior that continues Honda’s culture of ease of use and new power guides and “motion management” systems. The seats feature a posture that uses what has been learned from Honda’s robotics experience, while the aerodynamics would use what has been learned from the company’s racing experience, adding Formula 1.

The Space-Hub, on the other hand, is more utilitarian and aims to be a sort of living room on wheels; The “hub” in its name alludes to a social hub, a meeting place. Its philosophy is, according to Honda, “in people’s day-to-day lives. “

As for the 0 Series of electric vehicles as a whole, the “0” refers to Honda’s purpose to make electric vehicles “based on thin, light and intelligent models,” in contrast to the large, heavy environment that characterizes most existing electric vehicles. It would use a committed “thin” EV platform to achieve low terrain and increased aerodynamics. Honda is even unveiling a new minimalist, frameless H logo that visually conveys this vibe and will be used on electrified Honda in the future.

The 0 Series electric cars will be created as a new design and engineering strategy for previous Honda products and other competing electric cars. Technical details are scarce at the moment, but Honda says the vehicles will use high-density batteries designed to minimize degradation in the long run. Specifically, the company aims to minimize battery capacity degradation to less than 10% after 10 years of use. At the same time, charging needs to be fast: Honda claims charging is 15-80% faster on pre-2020s production models, which will be 10-15 minutes faster than it typically takes today. today.

Naturally, the 0 Series EVs will be powered by electric motors on each axle that maximize strength and power while being lightweight. As for the other main points that make you say “duh”, the cars will come with next-generation ADAS features as well as an on-board operating formula that uses AI to be informed about occupant habits.

Other important points such as price, range, and final design (which doom us if touchscreen seatbacks come to fruition) remain a mystery, but given the sedan’s 2026 release date, it probably won’t be long before we get started. Learn more about the long-term of electric Hondas.

Do you have any advice or queries for the author? You can succeed in it here: chris. tsui@thedrive. com

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