Honda Unveils Advanced Technologies for 0 Series Models at the 2024 Honda 0 Tech Meeting

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. hosted its “Honda 0 Tech Meeting 2024” today, revealing innovative technologies slated for the Honda 0 Series, a new electric vehicle (EV) line set to debut globally in 2026.

The Honda 0 Series is designed with fresh concepts emerging from a “zero-based” approach towards EV development, guided by the principles of being “Thin, Light, and Wise.” With this philosophy, Honda aims to deliver five key benefits through its EVs.

1. Aesthetic design that connects with people
2. Automated Driving/Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (AD/ADAS), providing safety and reassurance
3. Novel EV functionalities as a “space” enhanced by Internet of Things (IoT) and connected technologies
4. The pleasure of driving, fostering a bond between driver and vehicle
5. Exceptional electricity efficiency

At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Honda showcased two concept vehicles from the Honda 0 Series: the Saloon and the Space-Hub. The company also confirmed the launch of a production version of the Saloon set for 2026, which will closely resemble the concept and serve as the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series. By 2030, Honda aims to roll out seven distinct Honda 0 Series models worldwide, spanning various sizes from small to large.

Additionally, Honda plans to unveil another Honda 0 Series model at CES 2025, scheduled for January 2025. This model will manifest the technologies and electrification concepts introduced during the Honda 0 Tech Meeting.

Next-Generation Technologies Revealed at the Honda 0 Tech Meeting

• Thin and Light
  
  Honda’s “Thin” approach emphasizes the M/M (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) concept in the EV realm and aims to create a comfortable “space” with unique low-profile styling and short overhangs. Under the “Light” approach, Honda seeks to deliver a sportier driving experience alongside top-tier electricity efficiency, a hallmark of Honda’s automotive philosophy.
  
  
  • Newly developed dedicated EV platform
    Utilizing 2.0 GPa grade hot stamping material (ultra-high-strength steel), Honda has crafted a new EV platform that facilitates slim and low-height designs while ensuring occupant safety. This platform incorporates a slim battery pack and a compact e-Axle, with Honda’s innovative low-floor technology positioning heavy components low and central in the vehicle, enhancing stability and driving dynamics.
  • Newly developed compact e-Axle
    Drawing from its expertise in hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), Honda is applying motor and inverter technologies to produce an efficient and compact e-Axle. This design allows for a roughly 40% reduction in inverter size, achieving a horizontal layout that places the inverter alongside the motor—an innovation previously challenging to attain. This compact e-Axle enables both sleek exterior styling and maximized cabin space.
  • Thin battery pack
    The battery case will decrease in thickness by about 6% through advanced megacasting and 3D friction stir welding (FSW) technologies, alongside a structurally optimized body that mitigates collision impact, allowing for an increased battery mounting area. These advancements will support a lighter, thinner battery pack that boosts efficiency and range for the Honda 0 Series. Furthermore, Honda is committed to limiting battery capacity degradation to under 10% over ten years by utilizing diagnostic technologies informed by data from over 5 million Honda vehicles, primarily HEVs.
  • Active aerodynamic system
    Honda has developed an active aerodynamic system that adjusts the front aero deflector based on speed and other conditions. Positioned beneath the vehicle, this deflector helps minimize air resistance across various body types, such as SUVs, enhancing everyday efficiency while optimizing downforce performance and improving straight-line stability.
  • New body rigidity management for enhanced driving stability and lightweight design
    A new steering stability index aims to enhance a sporty driving experience by allowing the vehicle body to flex, distributing load on each tire while maneuvering. This innovative structure contributes to an overall weight reduction of about 100kg (220 pounds) compared to earlier Honda EVs.

• Production technologies facilitating “Thin” and “Light”
  
  
  • Enhancements in Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) case production
    A 6,000-ton class megacasting (high-pressure, high-precision casting) device will revolutionize the production of IPU cases, decreasing the number of parts from over 60 to just 5. This system allows for efficient production of various IPU cases tailored to different EV sizes by combining specific model components with standardized parts through FSW technology, thereby boosting manufacturing efficiency and minimizing capital investment. Honda plans to extend these production techniques to large aluminum casting body frames in the future.
    
    
  • Advancements in creating a lighter vehicle body
    Honda will implement CDC joining technology, a world-first*², facilitating the use of lightweight, high-strength materials. This innovation will enhance electricity efficiency and improve passive safety performance by reducing body frame weight.
    
    
  • Upgraded methods in battery pack assembly
    A new cell production system will be integrated into the battery pack assembly line to bolster both efficiency and flexibility. Utilizing a Honda flex-cell system where automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) connect multiple cells, this new method allows for agile adaptation to changes in production models and volumes.
• Wise
  By harnessing its accumulated knowledge and further enhancing intelligent technologies, Honda will develop original software-defined vehicles (SDVs) that are increasingly intuitive. Specifically, Honda will create its own vehicle operating system and, aligned with advancements in connected technologies, strive to deliver new mobility experiences tailored to each customer. Honda plans to continually add and enhance vehicle features through over-the-air (OTA) updates, making each vehicle a unique and appealing product.
• Key Areas of Focus for the “Wise” Development Strategy
  • AD/ADAS (Automated Driving/Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
    Honda aims to create “experiences that encourage spontaneous outings,” enhancing safe and seamless mobility for enjoyment beyond just the driving experience. The Honda 0 Series will feature AD/ADAS technologies, expanding upon the Level 3 capabilities first introduced in 2021 with the updated Legend, designed for conditional driving automation in specific areas. This series will offer more affordable automated driving options, progressively enhancing the scope of driving conditions supported by driver assistance and Level 3 automation via OTA updates. Honda’s AD/ADAS will incorporate advanced technologies, including LiDAR-based sensing, high-definition cameras, and a powerful ECU engineered for Honda’s proprietary AI and sensor fusion.
    Moreover, Honda’s original AI, which uses unsupervised learning*⁴ techniques from Helm.ai combined with behavioral modeling from experienced drivers, will enhance the accuracy of driver assistance by enabling the system to quickly adapt and predict potential hazards, even on unfamiliar roads. Honda aims to be the first globally to broaden the application of eyes-off functions to all driving scenarios, providing a safer, more reliable AD/ADAS experience.

    

  • The Pleasure of Driving
    While enhancing automated driving safety, Honda is also advancing its unique vehicle dynamics control technology to create an exhilarating driving experience. By integrating technologies seamlessly, the next-generation EVs will embody the joy of driving that fosters a deep connection between driver and vehicle. The introduction of a steer-by-wire system will connect all by-wire devices—steering, suspension, and brakes—allowing for responsive handling. Additionally, Honda’s expertise in robotics will be leveraged to ensure vehicle stability through precise attitude estimation and stabilization, enhancing smooth turning. The collaboration of the electric motor and braking system will jointly manage tire grip for stable acceleration across various terrains.
  • Energy Management
    By merging battery management technology developed for HEVs with new thermal management technology, the Honda 0 Series will provide a comfortable cabin while ensuring a practical range that aligns with customer usage. Specifically, an efficient power unit is expected to achieve a 300-mile EPA range. Furthermore, to address winter-related range decline due to heating usage, the vehicles will incorporate human-centric temperature sensitivity indexes, utilizing a radiant heater and efficient heat pump operations to minimize energy consumption, achieving approximately 13%*¹ less power usage for heating.
  • Digital User Experience (UX)
    Through intelligent and digital technologies, Honda aims to create fresh, engaging mobility experiences for EV users while minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment inside and outside the vehicle. The in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system will be streamlined for ease of use, while personalized voice assistants will provide continuous support. Advanced image recognition and Honda’s unique behavior prediction algorithms will allow the vehicle to understand user needs and proactively offer tailored suggestions and assistance.

    Additionally, Honda will leverage advanced IT technologies to provide a variety of engaging content, such as 1) entertainment options to enhance the EV experience as a mobile environment, 2) features for driving enthusiasts, and 3) a “virtual ride-sharing experience” connecting vehicle occupants with those outside using XR (extended reality) technology*⁵.

    By harnessing these digital UX technologies, Honda will cultivate the “fun of driving, using, and staying connected” in its next-generation EVs.

*1 Compared to standard components/functions used in currently available production EVs. (Honda internal research)
*2 Based on Honda internal research
*3 Constant Direct Current Chopping: A proprietary Honda technology for welding multiple materials of varying thicknesses.
*4 Unsupervised learning is a machine learning approach that allows AI to learn from unlabelled data, identifying patterns without explicit guidance.
*5 A technology blending the physical and virtual realms to offer new, immersive experiences.

SOURCE: Honda