In Japan, we went to a press conference where we could drive a prototype of Honda’s 0 Series EV and learn more about the production version of the Saloon concept. The 0 Series looked quick on the short track thanks to its small, light battery pack and low-mounted, tiny electric motors. Although Honda has claimed that it will demonstrate a more production-ready vehicle at CES in January 2025, the first vehicle in the 0 Series series is set to debut in 2026. Honda has been hesitant to commit to all-electric cars, even though their stylish two-door Insight was one of the first hybrid cars on the market in the early 2000s. It has mostly worked on gas-to-electric cars that can have fuel cell, electric, or hybrid engines, like the Fit EV and Clarity. Even the Prologue, Honda’s first mass electric vehicle made just for the US, is made by General Motors and uses GM’s Ultium battery technology instead of Honda’s. However, Honda plans to act in the next two years. In 2026, Honda will start making the Saloon idea, one of the two concepts the company showed at CES 2024. It will be the first car in Honda’s 0 Series of electric vehicles. In Tochigi, the company’s R&D center, we took a prototype 0 Series car for a short test drive. Later, at a press meeting in Japan, we learned more about the production of saloon cars. A Nontraditional Design The one-box wedge shape and very low profile of the Saloon idea made us think that it would have more traditional dimensions. Even so, the EV will be “fairly close” to the concept, and Honda has talked about the technological advances that will allow for the sleek design. The company is sticking with the futuristic look. The goal for Honda’s electric vehicles is to be “thin, light, and wise.” Even though the prototype we drove had the body of the current Accord covering it, Honda says the “original” design of the finished car will have small overhangs and a low overall height. A new, thinner-than-usual battery pack and a small “e-axle” that holds the generator and motor are the two main parts. Honda says the inverter is 40% smaller than those of its competitors, but it doesn’t say which ones. Because it is so small, it can be put next to the motor, which makes the e-axle’s overall area smaller and cuts down on the front overhang. Honda says that the aluminum battery shell will be 6% smaller than the competition’s thanks to two new production technologies: megacasting and 3D friction stir welding, which uses friction to join metal. Because of improvements in packaging, Honda will be able to use the design’s low roof while still having enough room inside. For shipping reasons, the top will be less than 55.1 inches, which is two inches lower than the current Accord’s height. Working with the Prototype The prototype still had the familiar Accord look, but the platform underneath gave the car a more lively look. Because the battery and e-axle are put lower on the vehicle, Honda says that the 0 Series cars will have sporty handling. Honda says that the structure of its aluminum body is 220 pounds lighter than that of its past EVs, most likely the Clarity. Honda took out a crossmember from between the front wheels to lower the hood. Honda also says that the body structure bends to balance the force on the tires during a turn. We only had three runs to drive the 0 Series prototype around a one-kilometer handling track, but it looked like it would be quick. Honda shared the prototype’s features without disclosing its power output, showcasing the e-axle in 241-hp and 67-hp variants and suggesting a range of rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It also offered a number of choices for rear- and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was on the car we were riding in. Honda also suggested that the 67-hp engine could be positioned on the rear axle of upcoming hybrids. The prototype lacked the steer-by-wire system that will be included in the final production model, making it difficult to assess the steering feel directly. However, the front end felt responsive, turning in confidently. In the corners, body roll was controlled, and the prototype felt lighter than other EVs, handling more like a gas-powered Accord than anticipated.The car navigated a stretch of uneven pavement with little impact and gently bounced over a small speed bump with minimal disturbance. On the stretch, we pushed the prototype out of the last corner, where the tires screeched a bit, but the car didn’t understand much. The Honda 0 Series will have active aerodynamics, such as a front aero deflector on the bottom of the car that will move out of the way on its own based on speed and other factors. There is less drag when the deflector is dropped. Honda mainly made the technology for SUVs, which are bigger cars with higher ride heights. Honda says, though, that the aero assist will add six miles to the saloon’s gas mileage and make it more stable in a straight line by adding downforce. Although the track was short, the prototype didn’t seem to be shaking at 70 mph. Thoughts on the Zero Series Because it has a smaller frame, the battery case can hold more cells. It will hold lithium-ion bag cells made in collaboration with LG. Honda aims for an EPA range of approximately 300 miles, which, to be honest, is less than what we would anticipate for a “next-generation” electric vehicle. Instead, Honda plans to use what it learns from tracking the driving records of five million Honda cars, mostly hybrids, to ensure that battery degradation stays below 10% over 10 years. Honda says that the Saloon idea will be a high-end car and will be at the top of the 0 Series lineup when it comes out in production. This means that it will cost a lot more than an Accord. Seven 0 Series models in a range of price ranges will be offered around the world by 2030. We’ll know a lot more about what to expect in just a few months. Honda revealed that a new model, called “the embodiment in product form of the technologies and electrification concept” introduced during the tech event, will be unveiled at CES 2025 in January. Honda is finally working on making an all-around good electric car. Our short test drive gave us faith that the 0 Series would be unique, fun to drive, and useful.
