At CES 2024, Honda unveiled its 0 Series, a new electric vehicle (EV) family the company will launch globally starting in 2026 in the North American market, followed by Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South Africa. The two concept models, the Saloon and Space-Hub, are based on a software-defined and connected platform. They also get a new H mark logo to be used exclusively for the company’s next-generation EV models.

Honda said it is aiming to realize carbon neutrality for all its products and corporate activities by 2050.  To that end, the company said it is working to achieve its automobile electrification target of increasing the ratio of EV and FCEV (fuel-cell EV) sales to 100% globally by 2040.

Honda said it will strive to transcend the constraints of thick and heavy electric vehicles due to the added weight and size of a typical battery pack as well as the large body and platform necessary to accommodate it. The company describes this new approach to EV development as “thin, light, and wise.”

“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.”

Honda said it would aid design and styling with a low vehicle height and aerodynamic performance by using a “thin” dedicated EV platform to create a low floor height. The “light” portion of the approach will achieve sporty driving and electricity efficiency performance that defies established norms of EV design. The company will create original software-defined mobility products by leveraging the knowledge it has amassed to date and by making cars “wiser” through the advancement of intelligent technologies.

The Saloon, a wedge-shaped sedan with gull-wing doors, is the flagship concept model of the 0 Series. Its low height and sporty styling are meant to set it apart from other EVs with an interior space bigger than expected. The concept’s instrument panel features a human-machine interface that is designed to enable simple and intuitive operations, providing a sophisticated and seamless user interface, according to Honda.

With the Saloon, Honda aims to realize control at the will of the driver in various driving situations by using steer-by-wire and advancing the motion-management system from the development of its original robotics technologies including posture control. As the flagship 0 Series, the Saloon is designed to be more driver-oriented despite its added technologies. Its use of sustainable materials for the interior and exterior enabled the Saloon to be developed as a model that resonates with users and the natural environment.

The Space-Hub, a minivan-shaped concept EV, was developed with interior versatility in mind. With many of the same interior features as the Saloon, it offers a reconfigurable space that accommodates the user’s needs.

Building on the “thin, light, and wise” development approach, Honda says its EVs will feature a dedicated EV architecture offering five core values: artistic design that evokes resonance, AD/ADAS that ensures safety and peace of mind, “space” for people made possible by the internet of things and connected technologies, the joy of driving with the feeling of oneness with the vehicle, and outstanding electricity efficiency performance.

The 0 Series models will feature an e-axle, a system consisting of a motor, inverter, and gearbox, that it says will allow for excellent power and efficiency along with lightweight packaging. Their high-density batteries will offer ample range while minimizing battery size to enhance aerodynamics, seating position, and interior space.

They will be designed for “stress-free charging” and battery performance that minimizes degradation over time. For the 0 Series models launching in the late-2020s, fast charging from 15% to 80% of battery capacity will be shortened to about 10-15 min. By applying battery system control technology, Honda says it is working to minimize battery capacity degradation to less than 10% after 10 years of use.

To set the 0 Series apart from its traditional vehicle portfolio, Honda unveiled a new version of its traditional “H mark” logo. Its design is said to symbolize two outstretched hands and represent Honda’s commitment to expanding the possibilities of mobility and continuing to meet the needs of its customers. It will be applied to future company EV models including the 0 Series.