Honda introduced the next-gen technologies for Honda 0 Series

8 October 2024, 22:01:03

Honda held its "Honda 0 Tech Meeting" to introduce some of the next-generation technologies to be applied to the Honda 0 Series – a completely new EV model range to be launched globally in 2026.

The Honda 0 Series is being developed with new ideas generated from "zero" with a fresh approach to EV development – "Thin, Light, and Wise." Within this, it will offer five core values:

Artistic design that resonates with people
Automated Driving/Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (AD/ADAS) that ensure safety and peace of mind
New value of EV as a “space” for people made possible by the internet of things (IoT) and connected technologies
The joy of driving with the feeling of oneness with the vehicle
Outstanding electric efficiency

At CES 2024, Honda unveiled two concept models of the Honda 0 Series, the Saloon and the Space-Hub, with plans to launch a production model of the former in 2026. This will be close to the concept model, and it will be positioned as the flagship of the model series.

In addition, Honda also announced plans to introduce a total of seven Honda 0 Series models globally by 2030, including small-, medium-, and large-size vehicles.

Looking ahead to CES 2025, Honda plans to unveil a new Honda 0 Series model. This will be the embodiment in product form of the technologies and electrification concepts introduced during the Honda 0 Tech Meeting.

With the "Thin" development approach, Honda will continue to value and realize the M/M (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) concept in this EV era and strive to offer new value of EVs as a comfortable "space" featuring an original styling design with a low vehicle height and short overhangs. With the "Light" development approach, Honda will strive to realize both sporty driving and the world’s top-class electric efficiency, which it has always been committed to doing in its car-making.

Adopting the 2.0 GPa grade hot stamping material (ultra-high strength steel plate), Honda developed a new EV platform to realize both thin and low-height styling, as well as the safety and peace of mind of the occupants. In addition, combined with the adoption of a thin battery pack and a newly developed compact e-Axle, the original Honda low-floor technology enables a low centre of gravity and low inertia by placing heavy components low and in the centre of the vehicle. This stabilizes vehicle behaviour and enables sporty driving.

The motor and inverter technologies Honda has amassed through the development of hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) will be utilized in EVs to realize a compact and highly efficient e-Axle. The inverter was downsized by approximately 40%, which made it possible to achieve a horizontal layout package where the inverter is placed side by side with the motor, something that has been difficult to achieve in the past. With this compact e-Axle, the low-height styling and maximizing of cabin space can be achieved at the same time.

The IPU (battery) case will be made approximately 6% thinner through the adoption of mega casting and 3D friction stir welding (FSW) technology. In addition, by adopting a body structure which is designed to disperse the impact of a collision, the extra space needed to protect the battery will be reduced, which will result in a larger area available for mounting a battery. With these technologies, a lighter and thinner battery pack will be installed with maximum efficiency, contributing to an extension of the range for Honda 0 Series models.

Furthermore, Honda is striving to limit the degradation of battery capacity (range) to less than 10% after 10 years of use by applying battery degradation diagnosis and prediction technology that utilizes driving data from 5 million Honda vehicles, mostly HEVs.

Honda has developed an active aerodynamic system that will automatically activate the front aero deflector according to the vehicle speed and other factors. The front aero deflector is installed under the floor to reduce air resistance for all vehicle body types including the ones with high vehicle height or with styling that is susceptible to air resistance, such as SUVs. In addition to reducing driving energy without compromising daily usability, this system will enable the vehicle to demonstrate high downforce performance and contribute to an increase in straight-line stability of the vehicle.

A sporty and exhilarating driving experience will be achieved by adopting a new steering stability index, which provides the ability to flex the vehicle body to control load on each tyre during cornering. The simplified body structure also contributes to an overall vehicle weight reduction of approximately 100kg (220 pounds) compared to initial Honda EVs.

By combining battery management technology, developed originally for HEVs, with the newly developed thermal management technology, including that of the battery, the Honda 0 Series models will offer a comfortable cabin space and highly practical range to accommodate how customers use their vehicles. Specifically, by making the power unit more efficient, a range in the 300-mile class in EPA mode will be achieved.

Moreover, to cope with winter weather, when the decline in range due to the use of the heater and other equipment is a concern, the vehicles will realize both comfort and energy saving by using a human-centric temperature sensitivity index. With the use of a heater that warms the cabin space with radiant heat, and highly efficient operation of the heat pump, the energy consumption will be minimized by reducing power consumption of heating equipment by approximately 13%.

Through the use of intelligent and digital technologies, Honda is striving to offer new and inspiring EV-based mobility experiences, while minimizing user stress and maximizing the driving and in-vehicle enjoyment.

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