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Dive Brief:

• Honda revealed two EV concept vehicles, the Saloon and Space-Hub, at a media event at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
• The futuristic looking EVs highlight the future vision of the company and will be launched under the automaker's new global Honda 0 Series, which refers to the automaker’s goal of “redefining mobility from zero.”
• Honda plans to launch a production vehicle based on the Saloon concept in North America in 2026 and in other global markets after.

Dive Insight:

Both of the EV models were developed using a new design and engineering approach, according to the company.

The Saloon will be the flagship model of Honda’s 0 Series. The uniquely designed concept vehicle features a low floor and wide exterior. The interior and exterior of the Saloon uses sustainable materials, according to Honda. 

Although the Saloon is a radical departure from conventional automotive designs, the automaker says it will deliver an unparalleled experience. The instrument panel features a human-machine interface for simple and intuitive operations, Honda says.

The Honda 0 Series Space-Hub vehicle slightly resembles a minivan, but the comparison stops there. The sleek EV has a display screen mounted on the front that includes integrated headlamps, as well as a panoramic front windshield.

Other features of the Honda 0 Series vehicles will include steer-by-wire and motion control management systems, according to Honda, which leverages the company’s expertise in robotics. Honda’s 0 Series will also feature advanced autonomous driving capabilities, connected technologies and a highly efficient battery for late 2020’s that can charge to 80% in around 10 to 15 minutes. The 0 Series EVs will utilize a high-density battery, delivering long range with a reduced size and weight.

Honda’s next generation autonomous driving system for its 0 Series EVs is based on its “human-centric” safety concept, Honda said. It will use advanced AI and driver monitoring technologies for a high level of safety.

Honda said it will develop an advanced vehicle operating system for its 0 Series models using AI and driver data that can learn a driver’s preferences and behaviors and allow the vehicle to make suggestions. The EVs will also provide information about the surrounding areas, including additional route guidance for the “last mile” of a trip.

In October, Honda launched a new brand campaign called, “Keep Dreaming,” to introduce its forthcoming 2024 Prologue EV for North America, its first all-electric SUV built in a collaborative effort with General Motors.