Honda probably deserves to be tarred with the same EV-foot-dragging feather we’ve brandished at Toyota (at least in terms of its announced U.S. offerings so far) but the concepts it revealed at CES 2024 seem to imply a change of heart akin to the one that Toyota’s fresh concepts suggested at last year’s Tokyo show.
A few days ago, Honda announced the “Honda 0 Series,” a new global EV series launching in 2026, represented by the world premiere of two concept models, Saloon and Space-Hub, at CES 2024.
In 2026, Honda will introduce a model of the Honda 0 Series based on the Saloon concept in North America, followed by model introductions in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and South America.
The Honda 0 Series Saloon and Space Hub concepts both feature a sleek and attractive new design language dubbed “The Art of Resonance,” along with a decent helping of innovation. Expect to see a new Honda 0 Series EV production car on our roads by 2026.
Honda also debuted a new H mark logo that will be used exclusively for the next-generation EV models.
Honda Introduces Electric Honda 0 Series
Honda unveiled two electrified concept models at CES 2024: the Saloon and Space Hub. Both models were developed using a new Honda electrification design and engineering approach that will debut with the introduction of the Honda 0 Series.
“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.”
Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda, threw more than a little shade at his company’s GM Ultium-based electric offerings (the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX SUVs) by saying, “The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs.”
The company that started out making motorcycles and joined the car market with lightweights like the S500 and N360 may feel a bit uncomfortable with the avoirdupois of the GM-based EVs that will be arriving soon (curb weight estimates are included in their preliminary spec.
This new 0 EV Series was unveiled at CES 2024 in two flavors: the Saloon is sort of a two-box sedan and the Space Hub is kind of an ultra-mod minivan. Neither seems to provide any true rear visibility, except via cameras.
“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 EV 0 Series Saloon and Space Hub: Assumption & Concept
Honda’s 0 Series philosophy is a game changer in the world of EVs. Centered around the principles of “Thin, Light, and Wise,” this ethos challenges the traditional limitations associated with EVs. The goal is to create a new paradigm in aerodynamic efficiency and driving experience.
Honda revealed the “Honda 0 Series,” a new EV series Honda will launch globally starting in 2026, with the world premiere of two concept models, namely Saloon and Space-Hub, at the CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Honda also presented the world premiere of the new H mark to be used exclusively for the next-generation EV models of Honda.
The Prologue? It’s an old news now! We are highly hopeful of Saloon and Space Hub. They are the new addition of Honda.
Honda Saloon: Meet Elegancy & Performance Together
The Saloon is the flagship concept model of the Honda 0 Series, which embodies the “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach. The dedicated EV architecture extends the degree of freedom in design and elevates the M/M concept in the era of EVs.
The low height, sporty styling that sets the Saloon apart from other EVs at first glance realizes both a fascinating design and an interior space that is more spacious than people can imagine based on the exterior appearance.
Moreover, the instrument panel features a human-machine interface (HMI) that enables simple and intuitive operations, realizing a sophisticated and seamless user interface (UI). With an exhilarating visibility and intuitive UI, the Saloon strives to provide a fun driving experience that resonates with the driver’s sensibility.
With the adoption of steer-by-wire and the further advancement of the motion management system, including posture control, that Honda has amassed through the development of original robotics technologies, the Saloon aims to realize control at the will of the driver in a variety of driving situations.
As the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series, the Saloon pursues the ultimate “joy of driving” in the EV era. Furthermore, including the use of sustainable materials for the interior and exterior, the Saloon is being developed as a unique model that resonates with users and the natural environment.
Honda Space: Solid and Powerful
Under the common design language of the Honda 0 Series, the Space-Hub was developed under the theme of “augmenting people’s daily lives.”
Indulge yourself with the spacious cabin and excellent visibility based on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach.
The Space-Hub offers a flexible space that immediately accommodates what the users want to do, and becomes a hub that connects people to people and people to society, generating mutual resonance with each other.
The current “H mark” has a long history, dating back to 1981 when it was renewed from the previous version. To commemorate the development of the next-generation EVs, Honda decided to design a new H mark.
It represents Honda automobiles in order to express Honda’s determination to pursue transformation as well as Honda’s corporate attitude. The company goes beyond its origin and seamlessly pursues new challenges and advancements.
The design represents Honda’s commitment to augment mobility possibilities. It sincerely serves the needs of the users of Honda EVs. This new H mark will be used on next-generation EVs of Honda, and that includes Honda 0 Series models.
Final Vision
The 0 Series EVs are about to set footprints for the global presence of Honda. Soon, the launch is going to take place across North America, Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
As we all the the, the plan between Honda & GM went in vain. Honda kept their promise of going a separate way. The initial focus with the 0 series is based on mid-to-large EVs. The first 0 Series is based on the Saloon concept, and it will first appear in North America.
However, we do expect that, Honda will also revise the smaller models in this line such as the Civic and Jazz by the end of 2026.
Honda has been a long way, right? Let us know in the comments what you think of Saloon and Space, the two remarkable EVs from Honda. We will comeback soon with another article.
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