Honda Unveils Plans for New Generation of Electric Vehicles, Set for Global Launch in 2026

Credit: Honda

Honda has outlined its ambitions for the upcoming Honda 0 Series, a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) slated for global launch in 2026. The announcement was made during the “Honda 0 Tech Meeting,” where the automaker revealed plans to introduce seven distinct models by 2030, including options across small, medium, and large vehicle categories. These models are expected to achieve a range of approximately 300 miles (482 kilometers) in EPA testing conditions.

Credit: Honda

The production of the Honda 0 Series will take place at the Honda Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, moving away from the company’s traditional manufacturing base in Japan.

According to Honda’s plans, the first model from this series, a low-profile electric saloon, is set to debut in North America in 2026. “We want to position the saloon as the flagship of the new EV family,” Honda stated, emphasizing its sleek design inspired by dynamic sports car aesthetics. A second design study, the Space-Hub, a futuristic van, was also showcased.

Credit: Honda

The automaker is particularly focused on expanding its SUV offerings, with plans for a midsize SUV, an entry-level SUV, and a full-size SUV with three rows of seats. While technical specifications remain somewhat limited, Honda indicated that the 0 Series vehicles will utilize electric axles combining a motor, inverter, and transmission. The company is pursuing a “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, aiming to enhance energy efficiency through lightweight battery designs and improved aerodynamics.

Honda’s new electric vehicle platform features low-floor technology, allowing for a lower vehicle height and optimized interior space. The design incorporates a compact e-axle and has reduced the size of installed inverters by approximately 40%, enabling a horizontal configuration next to the engine. The platform will support both rear and all-wheel drive and is expected to house a 180 kW engine, with a supplementary 50 kW engine at the front.

Credit: Honda

In a move to enhance battery performance, Honda has developed a battery housing that is around 6% thinner than previous designs, utilizing mega-casting and 3D friction stir welding techniques. This innovative approach aims to minimize the space required for crash protection, thus allowing for a larger area to mount the battery. Honda plans to limit battery capacity reduction to less than 10% after ten years of use.

Honda is also set to revolutionize energy management within the 0 Series. The integration of a new thermal management system with its established battery management system aims to optimize efficiency and comfort, featuring a heat pump and radiant heating for the passenger compartment.

On the software front, Honda plans to develop its own vehicle operating system for the 0 Series models, which will support advanced driver assistance features and Level 3 automated driving capabilities. “The models will be equipped with a system that enables the expansion of the range of driving conditions where driver assistance and Level 3 automated driving (eyes-off) will be available,” the company noted, highlighting a shift toward LiDAR-based sensors and high-resolution cameras.

Add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important EV News

By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read and are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use