CES: Honda reveals futuristic 0 Series models

HONDA has used the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to show it is serious about an electric future, unveiling the Saloon and Space-Hub – the first two models within its 0 Series EV range.

The flagship Saloon concept offers supercar-esque front-end styling with a long, sloping fastback-come-wagon body that offers a “surprisingly spacious interior” Honda outlines.

In fact, the Saloon shares a striking similarity with the Lamborghini Countach – a resemblance that comes down to the headlights and body profile, as well as scissor doors.

Sustainable materials feature throughout the Saloon and inside a human-machine interface enables “intuitive operation”, likely marketing talk for unorthodox operation, with new steer-by-wire and motion control management systems.

The Space-Hub is more minibus than wagon, on the other end of the scale, offering people-carrying potential while also presumably delivering on load-carrying potential if the boxy rear-end is anything to go by…

Both models feature a digital screen in place of a front grille, which appears to be capable of displaying various sequences.

“We have gone back to basics and formulated the Honda 0 Series with a design for the new era,” said Honda executive vice president Shinji Aoyama.

“A bold and pure proportion that from the first glance is overwhelmingly different from other EVs to evoke a new perspective for people.”

Both models retain some retro charm, despite their futuristic styling, as the Japanese manufacturer brings back the ‘H’ branding which first debuted in 1981.

Honda says the move to its new (old) logo represents a determination to undergo a historic transformation in pursuing new challenges and advancements.

Abandoning plans to collaborate with GM for its electric range, Honda has decided to go it alone focusing on sleek, slender EVs that buck existing design trends.

“The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs,” said Honda chief executive Toshihiro Mibe in a statement.

“EVs carry large and heavy batteries under the floor. As a result, the body and platform become larger and heavier to support the battery.

“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.”

The roadmap to lower, sportier EVs will come using e-Axles and high-density batteries that will offer “ample range” while keeping battery size to a minimum.

Honda claims its battery system won’t degrade over time, targeting less than 10 per cent degradation after 10 years of use – achieved by applying battery system control technology.

Charging will also be swift, with fast charging from 15 to 80 per cent achieved in as little as 15 minutes, although Honda has not outlined how this will be achieved.

While specific power and range details for the 0 Series models are yet to be revealed, Honda has confirmed the Saloon will be released in North America in 2026, closely followed by additional models in Asia and other markets.