At CES 2024, Honda decided to present a completely new strategy for its upcoming electric cars by illustrating it with two surprising concepts.
Honda has announced a reset of the counters and what it considers a new start from 2026. A new brand called “H”, a new logo, a new philosophy of electrical products and two concepts were presented this 10 January 2023. Stroke of genius or madness?
Honda had warned that announcements would be made at CES Las Vegas 2024, we just hadn’t really anticipated such a turnaround in the Japanese manufacturer’s strategy. It’s difficult to know if the brand is still trying to conquer the electric car market, or if Honda has finally found its way to flourish in this segment.
Honda’s 2024 resolutions: Elegance, lightness and intelligence
Honda’s “0 series” is the symbol of the brand’s revival of electric cars, hence the notion of zero in its name. The brand apparently wants to make a clean sweep of its beginnings in electric mobility. If the Japanese brand did not really stand out when it entered the world of electric cars, the sanction seems a little harsh for the models already launched. Especially for the little Honda e, which just lacked more reasonable consumption and a lower price.
Afterwards, we cannot blame Honda for wanting to do better on the next models planned to conquer the international market from 2026. It is the Saloon concept which will have the difficult task of repositioning Honda on the pleasure of driving and the electrical performance.
Futuristic design, technology and efficiency
We will let everyone judge the design of these new Honda concepts, which we will only describe as futuristic and surprising. Honda says it wants to put a stop to heavy, wide and tall electric vehicles, to make lower, more aerodynamic and lighter vehicles for its sedan.
However, it is difficult to imagine models like these in circulation in 2026. We will have to wait to see how Honda translates these designs into production vehicles to get a more realistic idea of the possible success of this new range ( sedan or minivan).
Driving aids and other technologies will have an important role to play in the future of the brand. But it is on performance and efficiency that the Japanese manufacturer will be expected to turn the corner. Honda promises driving pleasure and fast recharges (15 to 80% in 10 to 15 minutes).
Apart from the introduction of steer-by-wire (absence of physical connection for the steering), Honda remains quite vague on the promised technologies: “ Honda 0 Series models will feature electric axles*2 with excellent power conversion efficiency, excellent packaging of high-density lightweight battery packs and excellent aerodynamic performance, to achieve driving range sufficient while minimizing the capacity of the battery charged on the vehicle. »
Honda is therefore making big announcements for the future of the brand, but like other Japanese manufacturers (Toyota or Nissan), it remains a little too vague to be completely convincing.
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