Light speed: Honda next-gen 0 Series electric cars preview F1 tech that will give it the edge over its cheaper Chinese rivals
Honda says it will apply know-how accrued from competing in top-flight F1 to help create its next-generation of advanced electric cars.
Until now, Honda – like fellow Japanese car-maker Toyota – has been accused of being too slow to embrace all-electric car technology, but that all changes following a huge 10 trillion yen ($A97b) investment from now until 2031 to usher in seven all-electric members of the 0 Series range, with the first three vehicles all arriving in 2026.
First to arrive in 2026 will be an entry-level SUV, a mid-size SUV, and a flagship wedged-shaped sedan.
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In 2027, Honda says it will introduce a three-row large SUV that will be followed by a compact SUV (2028) and a small SUV (2029), with the 0 Series family concluded in 2030 with a compact sedan that’s likely to rival the Tesla Model 3.
Ensuring it will have what it takes to catch up with brands like Tesla, the new family of EVs will be developed with “Thin, Light and Wise” design and engineering mantra that will ensure all of its EVs weigh around 100kg less than current electric cars while offering more room, better efficiency and advanced driverless tech.
The Thin approach sees future Honda EVs boasting a new compact e-Axle and “the world’s top-class ultra-thin battery pack”.
With the batteries taking up less room beneath the floor, the 0 Series models will be able to feature a low and sleek design with short overhangs. Inside, the shallower battery pack will liberate lots of space, further enhancing comfort.
Saving weight, Honda says its EVs will be underpinned by a lightweight architecture that is much thinner and lighter than existing EVs with the carmaker promising that its 0 Series model will be at least 100kg lighter than rivals.
Cutting further kilos, Honda will employ Tesla-style mega casting machine that slashes the total number of parts for the battery casing and other underbody panels from 60 to just five.
Mounting the batteries low for the best possible centre-of-gravity, Honda says that, combined with less mass, the 0 Series models will help Honda deliver on its “joy of driving” commitment, suggesting best-in-class handling.
Efficiency is another highlight of these futuristic Honda EVs. As well as being light, future Honda 0 Series will use less energy on the move compared to other rivals, and even the cheapest model with the smallest battery will be capable of covering at least 480km.
Finally, when it comes to being Wise, the 0 Series Hondas will get the brand’s advanced operating system that will harness the power of semi-conductor microprocessors and artificial intelligence. All of the car’s new brains will all be bundled together within a new centralised architecture.
Quicker and more powerful than any existing Hondas, the new 0 Series models will introduce the brand’s most sophisticated level 3 autonomous driving aids that sees it capable of operating in geofenced areas without any input from the driver.
It’s thought Honda will begin releasing teasers of the new family of cars as soon as next year in the build up to their 2026 debut.
