Honda, a model that’s related to reliability and dependability, has had a tough relationship with electrical vehicles. Its most up-to-date foray into American-market EVs concerned a partnership with Basic Motors, which resulted within the Honda Prologue and the Acura ZDX crossovers.
The Prologue has had first rate success to date, however the ZDX bowed out when EV tax credit vanished. But Honda desires extra—and desires to do issues its method. So it’s investing billions of {dollars} right into a brand-new, bespoke electrical structure that may underpin a number of new EVs by the tip of the last decade. It is referred to as the 0 Sequence, and it could be crucial new car platform of Honda’s trendy period.
One of many first vehicles to put on the 0 Sequence badge is solely referred to as the Saloon. It’s a futuristic, razor-like sedan proudly positioned because the model’s flagship, which can tackle among the most high-tech EVs on the market.
So let’s see what Honda has in retailer.
Picture by: InsideEVs
Honda 0 Sequence: An All-New Platform
The Saloon, which debuted as an idea automotive in 2024, will experience on Honda’s new in-house platform. It’s a vertically built-in structure that the automaker can have full management over, permitting it to make fast adjustments to the {hardware} and patch software program points with over-the-air updates with out having to attend on third-party suppliers and builders.
Honda has gone to nice lengths to combine mild supplies into the vehicles’ building, and is betting massive on megacasting know-how and a brand new, AI-enabled software program suite that may combine lidar sensors and finally provide Degree 3 “eyes-off” driving capabilities.
Honda’s 0 Sequence platform revolves round three key phrases: Skinny, Mild and Clever.
Picture by: Honda
The platform itself can settle for battery packs rated at 800 volts, which allows them to cost quicker than extra mainstream 400-volt options, as we’ve seen with 800-volt vehicles just like the Kia EV9 and Porsche Macan. Honda has not but provided official specs for charging energy and charging session instances, but it surely’s aiming for a 15% to 80% top-up in quarter-hour or much less.
It’s additionally price noting that some 0 Sequence-based fashions may get a 400-volt battery system to maintain prices down, however that’s unlikely to occur with the flagship Saloon.
Honda mentioned that it will provide two variations of its e-axle motor: one with 241 horsepower (180 kilowatts), and the opposite with 67 hp (50 kW). In different phrases, essentially the most highly effective model of the 0 Sequence Saloon would have a complete of 482 hp, which isn’t record-breaking by any stretch of the creativeness. But when Honda manages to maintain the load down because it guarantees, it needs to be sufficient for any driving situation.
Honda 0 Sequence Saloon: Design
There’s no method round this: the Honda 0 Sequence Saloon is a head-turner. The four-door EV is low to the bottom, due to the slim battery pack nestled inside the ground, and appears like one thing out of a futuristic cartoon.
It’s a razor-shaped sedan that’s certain to get everyone’s consideration as soon as it hits the streets, however there’s no assure that Honda will keep true to the idea’s seems to be as soon as the manufacturing model rolls off the meeting line.
Picture by: InsideEVs
The unique present automotive did undergo some modifications for its second public look, with the large double doorways being changed with a set of extra typical 4 doorways. Inside, every part screams “future,” from the profiled seats to the full-width display and big panoramic roof.
Asimo OS, a brand-new working system that offers a nod to the cool and quirky Honda humanoid robotic, powers all of it. That too is a giant deal. It lays the groundwork for future software-defined autos at Honda, future linked vehicles, autonomous driving, over-the-air updates and extra. Like its Japanese rival Toyota, Honda is behind new gamers like Rivian, Tesla and the Chinese language automakers at software program, and Asimo OS represents the model’s makes an attempt to hit again.
Honda 0 Sequence Saloon: Availability
The Honda 0 Sequence Saloon was initially scheduled to enter manufacturing in Ohio this yr, as the primary mannequin primarily based on the 0 Sequence platform. Nevertheless, after a number of setbacks, together with the cancellation of the $7,500 federal tax credit score, Honda has determined to postpone the launch of the 0 Sequence Saloon to 2027.
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Supply: InsideEVs
The corporate remains to be transferring ahead with its 0 Sequence-based fashions, however the first fashions to roll off the meeting line this yr would be the Honda 0 Sequence SUV and Acura RSX crossovers. The Japanese automaker additionally reduce its funding plans for brand spanking new EVs, going from $69 billion to roughly $48 billion till 2030.
Honda 0 Sequence Saloon: Value
Though Honda has not publicized a determine but, the 0 Sequence Saloon is extensively anticipated to start out round $50,000. That does not make it an affordable new EV, but it surely does put it across the common newcar value within the U.S. If it might ship on these specs, then Honda followers are getting a number of automotive for the cash.
However given the present softening of EV demand within the U.S., and the American market largely souring on sedans in recent times, the delay to 2027 is smart—particularly if Honda finally ends up main with the 0 Sequence SUV. Both method, the 0 Sequence platform needs to be the beginning of one thing massive from this producer. Let’s hope it finds a option to manufacturing, and wins hearts and minds with EV followers and newcomers all over the place.
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