Honda signaled its serious commitment to electric vehicles at CES 2024, announcing its new “0 Series” EV lineup, slated to launch in 2026. The company showcased two concept cars: the futuristic Saloon, a sleek sedan, and the Space-Hub, a versatile van-like EV. The Saloon, with its striking wedge-shaped design, hints at a potential departure from Honda’s traditional styling. North American consumers can expect to see the production version of the Saloon hit the market in 2026.
Front view of the Honda Saloon concept EV at CES 2024.
Honda’s Dedicated EV Platform: The Foundation of the 0 Series
The “0” in the 0 Series signifies a fresh start for Honda’s EV endeavors. These vehicles are the first production EVs built on a dedicated platform not shared with gasoline-powered models. This dedicated architecture allows for optimized packaging and efficiency. While the battery pack dictates floor height, potentially impacting passenger compartment elevation, Honda asserts that its platform minimizes thickness, promoting a lower floor and enhanced aerodynamics. The company also emphasizes its integration of racing-derived aerodynamic principles.
Side view of the Honda Saloon concept EV at CES 2024, showcasing its sleek profile.
Advanced Technology and Performance in the 0 Series
Honda plans to equip the 0 Series EVs with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) based on its Honda Sensing Elite technology, initially released in Japan in 2021. Further enhancements to this system are expected later in the decade. Honda also anticipates advancements in battery technology, aiming to reduce fast-charging times to 10-15 minutes for an 15% to 80% charge. Furthermore, the company projects that these batteries will retain at least 90% of their original capacity after 10 years.
Interior view of the Honda Saloon concept EV at CES 2024, highlighting its futuristic design.
Bridging the Gap: Honda’s Partnership with GM
While the 0 Series is under development, Honda will offer two GM-manufactured electric vehicles: the Honda Prologue and the Acura ZDX, both scheduled for release later in 2024. These models utilize GM’s Ultium platform, sharing components with the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. However, the potential impact of ongoing production challenges with Ultium EVs on the Honda and Acura models remains unclear.
The Honda Space-Hub concept EV at CES 2024, showcasing its van-like design.
Honda’s EV Evolution
The 0 Series demonstrates Honda’s capacity for independent EV development. While the company has historically focused on hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, limiting its U.S. EV offerings to niche models like the EV Plus, Fit EV, and Clarity Electric, the 0 Series marks a significant shift in strategy, signaling a renewed commitment to the electric vehicle market.
Rear view of the Honda Space-Hub concept EV at CES 2024.
Conclusion
Honda’s unveiling of the 0 Series concept cars at CES 2024 represents a pivotal moment in the company’s electrification journey. With a dedicated EV platform, advanced technology, and a focus on performance and efficiency, Honda is poised to become a major player in the electric vehicle market. The launch of the Saloon and other 0 Series models in 2026 is highly anticipated.
