Honda 0 Series EVs to get thin batteries and lightweight platform
Japanese car-maker to use F1 experience to strip weight from incoming global EV familyHonda will take a “thin, light and wise” approach to developing its all-new global 0 Series family of EVs, which the Japanese car-maker says will be around 100kg lighter than current electric cars and have more cabin space by using one of the world’s thinnest battery packs.
Honda is investing 10 trillion yen ($A97b) over the next seven years to usher in seven all-new EVs in the 0 Series stable, with the first three launching in 2026 – an entry-level SUV, a mid-size SUV and a flagship sedan.
These will be followed by a three-row large SUV in 2027, a compact SUV/crossover in 2028, a small SUV in 2029 and a small-medium sedan in 2030 that’s likely to rival the Tesla Model 3.
Under its ‘thin’ mantra, the incoming Honda EVs will boast a new compact e-Axle and “the world’s top-class ultra-thin battery-pack”.
With thinner floors, the 0 Series models will be able to feature a low and sleek design with short overhangs, while the shallower battery pack will also liberate more interior room.
Saving weight, Honda says it will employ experience from Formula 1 to create a lightweight architecture that is thinner and lighter than current EVs, promising that its 0 Series models will be up to 100kg lighter than equivalent models.
Cutting further kilos, Honda will employ a Tesla-style mega casting machine that cuts the total number of parts for the battery casing and other underbody panels from 60 to just five.
Mounting the battery low for the best possible centre of gravity, Honda says when you factor in its reduced weight the 0 Series models will deliver on the brand’s “joy of driving” commitment.
The Honda 0 Series will be efficient, too. Even the cheapest model with the smallest battery will be capable of covering at least 480km on a single charge.
When it comes to being ‘wise’, the 0 Series models will feature Honda’s advanced operating system that will harness the power of semiconductor microprocessors and artificial intelligence.
The EVs will also be compatible with Level 3 autonomous driving capability.
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