Honda Motor, one of Japan’s leading automakers, has announced ambitious plans to introduce a new electric vehicle (EV) series, the “Honda 0 Series,” starting from 2026. The revelation was made at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, where the company showcased two concept models, emphasizing its commitment to catching up with global rivals in the rapidly evolving landscape of battery-powered cars.
Despite being a major player in the automotive industry, Honda has faced challenges in keeping pace with European and U.S. competitors like General Motors and Volkswagen in the electric vehicle market. The company is now gearing up to meet these challenges head-on with its “Honda 0 Series,” aimed at achieving the goal of having battery-powered and fuel-cell vehicles constitute the entirety of its new car sales by the year 2040.
Executives from Honda stated in a December media briefing in Tokyo that the first models of the new series are expected to hit the market by 2026, with a global launch commencing in the North American market. However, specific details regarding the series, including pricing, the number of models, and projected sales volumes, were not disclosed during the briefing.
During the first nine months of 2023, battery-powered vehicles comprised less than 0.5% of Honda’s global sales, accounting for around 11,000 vehicles out of approximately 2.8 million cars sold worldwide. The majority of these sales occurred in China, highlighting the need for Honda to strengthen its presence in other markets, particularly North America.
Honda envisions building two million EVs globally per year by 2030, with a target to introduce 30 battery-powered models by that year. The company is actively pursuing opportunities for expansion, with recent reports suggesting discussions between Honda representatives and Canadian officials regarding the potential construction of a significant electric vehicle plant in Canada.
The CES trade show witnessed the unveiling of two concept models from the “Honda 0 Series”: the Saloon, a sedan designed to accommodate four or five passengers, and the Space-Hub, a van-like vehicle with a seating capacity of six or seven people. As part of its fresh foray into the EV market, Honda also revealed a revamped logo for its new series, featuring a more tilted and sleeker design compared to the existing one.
Honda’s strategic push into electric mobility underscores the company’s commitment to embracing innovation and sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in the global shift towards electric vehicles.
