Japanese automaker Honda Motor has announced plans to launch a new electric vehicle (EV) series, named the “Honda 0 Series,” starting in 2026. The move signifies Honda’s commitment to accelerating its presence in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market and aligning with the global shift towards sustainable mobility.
While Honda has been a pioneer in the automotive industry, it has faced challenges in keeping pace with European and U.S. competitors transitioning to battery-powered cars. The company hopes that the new series will contribute to achieving its target of having battery-powered and fuel-cell vehicles constitute all new car sales by 2040.
The “Honda 0 Series” was introduced, along with two concept models, at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. Honda aims to roll out the first models of this series globally, with the North American market being the initial focus. During a December media briefing in Tokyo, the company’s executives shared their goal of launching the series by 2026 but did not disclose specific details such as pricing, the number of models, or sales targets.
Battery-powered vehicles account for less than 0.5% of Honda’s global sales, totaling around 2.8 million cars over the first nine months of 2023. The company sold approximately 93% of these EVs in China but none in North America. To address this, Honda has laid out an ambitious plan to produce two million EVs annually by 2030 and introduce 30 models solely powered by batteries by the same year.
At the CES trade show, Honda showcased two concept models: the Saloon, a sedan designed to accommodate four or five passengers, and the Space-Hub, a van-like vehicle seating six or seven individuals. While certain design aspects may undergo modifications, the concepts provide a glimpse into Honda’s vision for its upcoming EV series.
To accompany the launch of the “Honda 0 Series,” the automaker revealed a revamped logo featuring a more tilted and sleeker design. This strategic move underscores Honda’s commitment to innovation and signals its intention to play a significant role in the future of electric mobility.
Additionally, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe hinted at the possibility of building a substantial electric vehicle plant in Canada, with representatives from the company engaging in discussions with Canadian officials this week.
The announcement positions Honda as an active participant in the global push towards sustainable transportation, emphasizing its commitment to contributing to a greener and more electrified automotive future.