Honda teases new EVs with Space-Hud, Saloon concept cars

honda cars Two concept vehicles were unveiled at the CES technology conference on Tuesday as a preview of a new line of electric vehicles that will arrive in North America starting in 2026.

The two concept models, called “Space-Hub” and “Saloon,” will be based on the first mass-produced “Honda 0 Series” electric vehicle, according to the Japanese automaker. Honda said that the development of the new “0 Series” cars follows three core principles: “thin, light, and smart.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said: “We will create new value from scratch based on thinness, lightness and intelligence as the basis of our new Honda 0 EV series, further elevating the fun and freedom of travel to a new level. ” in a version.

Honda plans to launch the first Honda 0 series model based on the Saloon concept in North America, followed by models in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America.

The sedan is a sleek, futuristic vehicle that looks fit for a Tron movie, with a large, flared neon front end with a redesigned Honda “H” in the middle. Like the front, the back also has a large recessed rectangular area with red lights surrounding the interior and “Honda” lettering in the middle.

Inside, the Saloon features a minimalist digital cockpit with an egg-yolk steering wheel, similar to concept cars from other companies debuting at CES. Upon entry, a large falcon-wing door opens upward from the roof.

The Space-Hub is a minivan/space shuttle with the same type of design features as a small car, but in a larger size. The interior features a similar cockpit, but with a spacious rear area with lounge-style seating.

Both concepts appear to be designed with self-driving capabilities in mind: the steering yolk retracts into the dashboard of each concept.

Honda said the 0 Series will first feature advanced driver assistance systems based on technology first deployed in Japan, followed by next-generation “autonomous driving” (AD) systems. The company says the upcoming system will expand the use of some intervention-free features for use on highways and surface streets.

“The next-generation autonomous driving system is developed based on Honda’s ‘human-centered’ safety concept and will use advanced artificial intelligence, sensing, identification and driver monitoring technologies to achieve more humane, natural and high-precision driving. The risk profile allowed Honda to state in a press release: “It is possible for us to provide AD functions that people can use with confidence. “

Honda has not released exact specifications or performance expectations for the concept or upcoming electric vehicles other than charging forecasts.

The company said Honda 0-series models launched in the late 2020s will be able to quickly charge battery capacity from 15% to 80% in about 10 to 15 minutes.

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