Earlier this week, Honda revealed it will invest 10 trillion yen (US$ 65 billion) through 2031 in electrifying its range and launch seven EVs through its 0 Series range. We now have some additional details about these models. In developing its new 0 Series range of vehicles, Honda has adopted a so-called ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ approach. These three pillars will define this new range of battery-electric vehicles and distinguish them from the brand’s existing electrified vehicles. With its ‘Thin’ philosophy, Honda will adopt a newly-developed compact e-Axle and “the world’s top-class ultra-thin battery pack.”
As such, the floor of the 0 Series models
will be thin. The vehicles will also adopt low and sleek designs with short
overhangs. Honda is also promising a comfortable cabin with an intuitive user
interface and “exhilarating visibility.” The automaker will also draw on its
Formula 1 expertise in achieving its ‘Light’ goals for the 0 Series range. These
new BEVs are set to adopt light body frames and power units that Honda says
have been made lighter and thinner using the technologies it needs for F1 and
its HEV models. These advancements will allow the carmaker to shed roughly 100 kg from its existing EVs. The company has promised to mount the
batteries and power units as low as possible and in the center of the vehicle
body to get the right center of gravity. All 0 Series models will be built to
meet Honda’s commitment to the “joy of driving.”
The commitment to thinness and lightness
will contribute to excellent efficiency. Honda aims for all 0 Series models to
have more than 480 km of range. Honda’s ‘Wise’ approach will focus
on providing an advanced OS for all its future EVs. They will run on advanced
system-on-chip semiconductors, feature artificial intelligence, and adopt a
centralized architecture where multiple ECUs are consolidated into a single
unit. Honda will also roll out advanced automated driving and advanced driver
assistance systems. Level 3 automated driving will be on offer, too.
The first three 0 Series models from Honda
will launch in 2026, consisting of an entry-level SUV, a mid-size SUV, and a
sedan. In 2027, a 3-row large SUV will follow while a compact SUV will land in
2028, a small-size SUV will be launched in 2029, and a compact sedan will
follow in 2030.