Honda Unveils New 0 Series Platform for Electric Vehicles
Honda has officially announced its new 0 Series platform for electric vehicles, promising a range of innovative features and technologies aimed at enhancing performance, safety, and sustainability. The 0 Series platform is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its cutting-edge design and production techniques.
The new platform will feature different battery options, with smaller models equipped with a pack of around 50kWh and larger models boasting a pack of approximately 100kWh. It remains unclear if multiple battery options will be available for each model, providing flexibility for consumers based on their driving needs.
Incorporating mega-casting and advanced production techniques, Honda aims to increase the platform’s rigidity while reducing weight. The use of ‘3D friction stir welding’ and ‘constant DC chopping’ (CDC) spot welding allows for the joining of metals without melting them, resulting in greater rigidity and decreased deformation. This will enhance the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicles.
Furthermore, Honda has developed the body structure of the 0 Series platform to disperse the impact of collisions to the side of the structure, minimizing the space required for battery protection at the front and rear. This design feature highlights Honda’s commitment to safety and innovation in electric vehicle technology.
The 0 Series Saloon is expected to weigh approximately 100kg less than current EVs of its size, contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience. The vehicle will feature a steer-by-wire throttle system, potentially incorporating the yoke design from the concept car. The integration of the control unit with the suspension, brakes, and regen system will enhance handling and responsiveness.
Active aerodynamics will play a crucial role in improving efficiency and performance, with the ability to channel air underneath the car through sculpted bodywork, providing up to six additional miles of range and generating downforce. The use of 3D gyro sensors, originally developed for Honda’s humanoid robots, will automatically stabilize the vehicle, ensuring a smooth and controlled driving experience.
The lightweight aluminum frame of the 0 Series platform is designed to flex during cornering, redistributing load onto the outside wheels for improved cornering balance. All 0 Series models will be software-defined vehicles, capable of receiving over-the-air software updates to access new features and upgrades, ensuring they remain cutting-edge and adaptable to evolving technologies.
With a focus on autonomy, the 0 Series models will offer up to level-three autonomy in specific scenarios, thanks to a range of advanced sensors including cameras, radar, and lidar. Production of the 0 Series models will commence at Honda’s Ohio plant, with plans to adapt the production line to accommodate both ICE and EV cars. A new plant dedicated to EV production, along with a battery plant, will be constructed in Ontario, Canada by 2028, demonstrating Honda’s commitment to sustainable and innovative manufacturing practices.
In conclusion, the Honda 0 Series platform represents a significant step forward in electric vehicle technology, showcasing Honda’s dedication to excellence, safety, and sustainability in the automotive industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking platform and its upcoming models.
