Honda starting fresh with their EVs, debuts 0 Series concept at CES2024

Honda's really shaking things up on their approach to EVs, pulling the curtain back at the ongoing CES 2024 in Las Vegas to unveil two concepts that signal a fresh start for the brand, specifically for their electric vehicle approach. These concepts not only showcase Honda's new design language for EVs, but also embody a whole new approach to engineering for a battery-powered future.

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First up, let's talk about the Saloon that they brought with them to Las Vegas, which they sneak peeked back in December. True to the teaser, it's as sharp as they come. Sporting a wedge-shaped front flowing into a fastback rear, it's all about edgy design. 

Unique rectangular lighting and a retro yet modern "H" logo – exclusive to Honda's EVs – make a bold statement at the front. At the back, rectangular taillights frame an updated Honda wordmark. 

Inside, it's all about minimalism but with high-tech flair. Think a massive screen stretching across the dashboard, much like Mercedes-Benz's Hyperscreen, and a futuristic yoke-style wheel for the steer-by-wire system. The sporty bucket seats look snug and feature curved screens on the back, while the materials used are all sustainably sourced. Honda's planning to bring a production version of the Saloon to North America by 2026.

Then there's the Space-Hub minivan concept. Honda's playing it coy with production details, but it's hard not to get excited about it. This concept is designed to enhance daily life with its expansive cabin and panoramic visibility. It's a hint at what could be the next step in minivan design, maybe even influencing the next Odyssey. The Space-Hub's spacious interior and clear visibility are just the start.

Both the Saloon and Space-Hub are the forerunners of Honda's new "0 Series" philosophy. This approach isn't just about looks; it's a whole new way of Honda thinking about EVs. From the angular design to innovative engineering, it's clear Honda is all-in on electrification. 

The "0 Series" will also introduce cutting-edge in-car tech, like artificial intelligence and more sophisticated safety features. So, while Honda may be starting from scratch with these EVs, it's evident they're not holding back on innovation and style, which may also influence their ICE vehicles of the future.

Right now, Honda's EV lineup is pretty neat, with a few standout models. First, there's the Honda Prologue, an all-electric SUV that's gearing up for its big debut in 2024.

This was Honda's first jump into the all-electric SUV game, and they're doing it in style by teaming up with General Motors and using some slick Ultium technology.

And then there's the Honda e:N1 EV, a fully electric mid-size SUV that resembles the popular Honda HR-V. It's stirring up excitement with its recent production start in Thailand. This model is significant as it's the first completely knocked-down (CKD) Japanese battery electric vehicle (BEV) produced there and is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024​

Then, you've got the Honda E – this little guy is a compact electric car with a cool retro look, perfect for city driving. It's packed with high-tech features and is already cruising the streets in Europe and Japan.

In Malaysia, the first company to bring in the Honda E was Weststar Motors, marking a significant step in introducing this innovative electric vehicle to the Malaysian market. Since then, there's been an increase in parallel importers who have also started bringing in the Honda E.

As for the specs, the Honda E is quite the compact powerhouse. It features a 35.5 kWh battery, providing a range of approximately 220 kilometers on a single charge, perfect for city driving. The car boasts about 150 horsepower, which is impressive for its size, and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in around 8 seconds. Plus, it comes with a fast-charging capability that can charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes. The Honda E is also known for its sleek design, futuristic interior, and advanced tech features like the dual touchscreen interfaces and digital rearview mirrors.

Also Read: Honda e:N1 EV to hit Thai shores soon; Will it come to Malaysia?