Summary
- Honda’s new self-developed EV program, Series 0, previews the future of the automaker
- Series 0 is a new platform that Honda is staking its future on, promising high-range, efficient, and lightweight EVs
- Honda’s Ohio-based U.S. manufacturing operations have been reconfigured to produce the electric sedan
- The Series 0 platform includes innovative technologies like megacasting, steer-by-wire, and structural battery packs
- The Series 0 prototypes offer advanced features like AI-powered infotainment, Level 3 autonomous driving, and over-the-air updates, with additional plans for expansion into Canada by 2026.
Article
The future of Honda is being previewed by its new self-developed EV, the Honda Series 0. This marks a significant step forward for Honda, as it has been slow to enter the EV market, relying on lease-only experiments and stopgap measures in the past. The Series 0 represents a new frontier for the automaker, with plans to produce radical concepts shown at CES and reconfigure its manufacturing operations in the US to accommodate the new EV sedan. Honda’s investment in an all-new platform aims to create a high-range, efficient, lightweight EV that can compete with the best in the market.
The Honda Series 0 is based on a new model line that focuses on hardware-oriented technology, including megacasting, steer-by-wire, and structural battery packs. The platform’s unique features, such as a less stiff front end and a two-piece battery case, aim to improve handling and reduce weight. The Series 0 models will also include advanced AI-powered infotainment and ADAS features, supporting LIDAR and eventually offering Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. Honda envisions the Series 0 as a software platform that will provide over-the-air updates and services to owners long after purchase.
Early prototypes of the Series 0, based on the CR-V and Accord, demonstrate impressive performance and acceleration. The EV prototypes utilize a dual-motor layout and a new Series 0 chassis, showcasing Honda’s commitment to developing a powerful and efficient electric drivetrain. While the prototypes exhibit swift acceleration and advanced features like air suspension, Honda emphasizes that further development is ongoing to refine the driving dynamics and overall performance of the Series 0 platform.
Despite the progress made by Honda in developing the Series 0, there are still questions regarding the final product’s design, naming, and market positioning. While Honda has made strides in reconfiguring its manufacturing facilities to support EV production, the success of the Series 0 will also depend on its design, software, and overall appeal to consumers. As the EV market becomes increasingly competitive, Honda must ensure that the Series 0 meets or exceeds the standards set by other automakers, particularly in terms of price and consumer demand.
Honda’s commitment to expanding its EV manufacturing facilities in Ohio, with plans to expand to Canada by 2026, demonstrates the brand’s determination to establish itself as a key player in the EV market. While the Series 0 represents a significant step forward for Honda, the final product’s success will ultimately depend on its ability to deliver a compelling, consumer-friendly EV that meets the demands of the market. With ongoing development and innovation, Honda has the potential to create a truly competitive product in the evolving electric vehicle industry.
Read the full article here
