Honda Previews Future EVs With 0 Series Concepts
Honda unveiled two futuristic concepts at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today, both previewing forthcoming production electric vehicles under a new “0 Series” product line. Details and hard figures are scarce, but the automaker confirmed an on-sale date for a vehicle based on the Saloon concept sometime in 2026.
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Honda describes the 0 Series Saloon concept as a preview of the new model lineup’s flagship, serving as the first 0 Series to enter production. Wearing proportions of a four-door fastback sedan, both the concept Saloon rides on a dedicated electric platform, incorporating Honda’s longstanding “man maximum, machine minimum” ergonomic concept. Honda says portions of both the interior and exterior are hewn from sustainable materials alongside next-generation hardware for the steer-by-wire and what Honda calls “motion control management” systems.
The 0 Series Space-Hub is far less production-focused; appearing like a minivan from model-year 2150, Honda says it developed the charmingly named Space-Hub with the aim of “augmenting people’s daily lives.” Unlike the Saloon, there are no shots of a (graphically rendered) front cockpit, instead emphasizing a cavernous, markedly spartan rear-passenger area designed with Honda’s “thin, light and wise” development approach.
Range, power, and drivetrain configuration are still under wraps, but Honda says the 0 Series EVs will have next-gen battery packs capable of fast charging from 15%-80% in roughly 10-15 minutes, with an estimated capacity degradation of less than 10% after 10 years of regular use.
We’re a few years out from seeing the 0 Series Saloon in the metal — or maybe composite — but Honda confirmed all production 0 Series vehicles are global EVs presenting “advancements in design, automated driving, connected technologies, performance and battery efficiency” for the automaker.
New Platform Means New Tech
The 0 Series promises a new platform for the Honda Sensing Elite suite of Level 3 active-safety technology, kit not yet available on U.S.-market Hondas. If offered with the same features as was (briefly) available on the Japanese-only 2021 Honda Legend Hybrid, customers can expect the 0 Series to carry tech like Traffic Jam Pilot, which provides hands-free driving when the vehicle is in slow-speed traffic, as well as hands-free lane change assist.
The 0 Series platform also relies on integrated artificial intelligence and interpreted driver data to enhance connectivity, offering information on surrounding areas and efficient route planning for after the driver has parked and left the vehicle.
Honda also took this opportunity to debut a new variant of its longstanding “H mark” logo. As part of its electrified pivot, the leaner, minimalist “H mark” is said to represent “two outstretched hands” and will make its production debut on the snouts and tails of the production 0 Series family.
It’s likely the 0 Series will be Honda’s first true in-house EV that’s widely available in the U.S., as in keeping with product trends set by fellow Japanese automakers Toyota, Subaru and Mazda, Honda has remained conservative with its EV rollout. The 2024 Honda Prologue is currently the brand’s sole fully electric offering stateside, and that’s best considered a Honda “wrapper” over the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
The 0 Series concepts arrive shortly after Honda dissolved its EV development partnership with GM in October. Both manufacturers planned a shared range of affordable electric SUVs, but Honda pulled the plug far ahead of the 2027 timeline, with Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe citing a “changing business environment.”
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