Honda 2024 0 Tech Conference showcases next-generation new car technology

On October 8, 2024, Honda introduced the next-generation technology that will be applied to the Honda 0 series models at the 2024 Honda 0 Technology Conference. The Honda 0 series is a new series of electric vehicles that Honda plans to launch in the global market starting in 2026 .

The development concept of Honda 0 series is "thin, light and smart", which is a new idea generated by Honda starting from "zero" with a new electric vehicle development method. Through this development method, Honda will provide five core values ​​through its electric vehicles:

1. Art and design that resonates with people

2. Ensure safety and security Automated driving / Advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ ADAS )

3. The new value of electric vehicles as people’s “space” through the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected technologies

4. Driving pleasure that makes you feel like one with the vehicle

5. Excellent power efficiency performance

At the 2024 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States in January this year , Honda unveiled two concept models of the Honda 0 Series, the Sedan and the Space Center. Honda also announced plans to launch a production model of the Sedan in 2026. This production model will be very close to the Sedan concept model and will be positioned as the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series. In addition, Honda also announced plans to launch a total of seven Honda 0 Series models globally by 2030, including small, medium and large models.

Honda plans to unveil a new Honda 0 series model at the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show in January 2025. This new model will be a product form factor embodiment of the technology and electrification concepts introduced at the Honda 0 Technology Conference.

Next-generation technology introduced at Honda 0 Tech Conference - Thin and Light

Through the "thin" development approach, Honda will continue to value and realize the M/M (maximizing people, minimizing machines) concept in the EV era, and strive to provide new EV value as a comfortable "space" with an original styling design featuring a low body height and short front/rear overhangs.

Through the "light" development approach, Honda will strive to achieve Honda's unique sporty driving feel and world-class electric efficiency performance, which Honda has always promised in its car manufacturing.

Newly developed dedicated electric vehicle platform

Using 2.0 GPa-class hot stamped materials (ultra-high-strength steel sheets), Honda developed a new EV platform that achieves thin and low body height styling, as well as occupant safety and peace of mind. In addition, combined with the adoption of a thin battery pack and the newly developed compact e-Axle, a low center of gravity and low inertia were achieved by placing heavy components low and in the center of the vehicle. This stabilizes vehicle behavior and enables sporty driving.

Newly developed compact electric drive axle

Honda's motor and inverter technologies , which it has accumulated through the development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), will be applied to electric vehicles to achieve a compact and efficient electric driveshaft. The size of the inverter has been reduced by approximately 40%, which allows the inverter to be placed side by side with the motor, a horizontal layout that was difficult to achieve in the past. This compact electric driveshaft allows for maximizing interior space while achieving a low body height.

Ultra-thin battery pack

The newly developed compact electric drive axle (e-Axle) is a more compact and efficient design achieved by Honda using the motor and inverter technologies accumulated in the development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). By reducing the size of the inverter by about 40%, Honda was able to achieve a horizontal layout with the inverter and motor side by side, which was difficult to achieve before. This design makes it possible to design the vehicle's low body and maximize the interior space.

In addition, Honda has developed a new dedicated electric vehicle platform that uses 2.0 GPa-class hot stamping materials (ultra-high-strength steel sheets) to achieve a thin and low body shape while ensuring passenger safety. Combined with a thin battery pack and the newly developed compact e-Axle, Honda's unique low-floor technology can lower the vehicle's center of gravity and inertia, thereby improving vehicle stability and achieving a sporty driving experience.

Honda is also working to diagnose and predict battery degradation by using driving data, with the goal of reducing battery capacity (range) by no more than 10% after 10 years of use . The application of this technology will help improve the performance and life of batteries in Honda's 0 Series models.

Active aerodynamics

Honda has developed an active aerodynamic system that will automatically adjust the front aerodynamic flaps based on vehicle speed and other factors. The front aerodynamic flaps are installed under the chassis to reduce air drag on all vehicle types, including those with high bodies or styling that is susceptible to air resistance, such as SUVs. In addition to reducing driving energy without sacrificing everyday usability, the system will also enable the vehicle to exhibit high downforce performance and help improve the vehicle's straight-line stability.

New body rigidity management that achieves high driving stability and lightweight

Honda will achieve a sporty and exhilarating driving experience by adopting a new steering stability index that manages the load on each tire when cornering. The simplified body structure also helps reduce the overall vehicle weight by approximately 100 kg (220 lbs) compared to the original Honda EV.

Advances in Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) Case Production Technology

A 6,000-ton giant casting (high-pressure, high-precision casting) machine will be used for the IPU (battery) case production line, which will significantly reduce the number of parts from more than 60 to 5. In addition, by connecting the IPU case parts dedicated to different electric vehicle sizes and the common parts with FSW technology, various IPU cases can be produced efficiently. This will improve overall production efficiency and limit the required capital investment. Honda will continue to promote the advancement of these production technologies, including expanding the application to large aluminum casting body frame parts in the future.

Technological advances that enable lighter vehicles

The adoption of the world's first*2 CDC connection technology*3 will expand the use of lightweight and high-strength materials. This will improve power efficiency performance by reducing the weight of the body frame, while also enhancing passive safety performance.

Advances in battery pack assembly line production methods

For the battery pack assembly line, a newly developed battery production system will be adopted to achieve high production efficiency and flexibility. Honda's flexible battery production system, which connects multiple batteries through AGV (automatic guided vehicle) and can flexibly combine production processes, will be able to flexibly adjust to changes in production models and fluctuations in production volume.

intelligent

By applying the knowledge Honda has accumulated so far and further advancing its intelligent technologies, Honda will create original software-defined vehicles (SDVs) that make the car itself more intelligent . Specifically, Honda will develop its own original vehicle operating system and then, as connectivity technology advances, strive to provide customers with new mobility experiences by applying intelligent technologies optimized for each customer.

Even after customers purchase the vehicle, Honda will continuously add/upgrade vehicle features through OTA (Over the Air) updates and evolve the vehicle into an even more attractive product unique to Honda.

AD/ADAS (Autonomous Driving/Advanced Driver Assistance System)

Honda is developing its automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems with the goal of providing an experience that “makes people want to get out more spontaneously,” supporting safe and seamless mobility that people can enjoy with peace of mind not only while driving, but throughout the entire journey from home to their destination.

In 2021, Honda will put Level 3 autonomous driving equipment into practical use by launching the new Legend model equipped with Honda SENSING Elite, which qualifies for Level 3 autonomous driving, that is, conditional driving automation in limited areas. Honda 0 series models will be equipped with AD/ADAS technology, using Level 3 technology to provide more affordable autonomous driving vehicles to more customers. In addition, Honda 0 series models will be equipped with a system that can expand the range of driving conditions where driving assistance and Level 3 autonomous driving are available. This expansion will start with technology in highway traffic congestion and then continue through OTA update functions. Honda is also further advancing its AD/ADAS technology, such as high-precision and high-reliability perception based on LiDAR, high-definition cameras to perceive the surrounding environment, and installing high-performance ECUs compatible with Honda's original AI and sensor fusion .

In addition, Honda's original AI technology Combining the unsupervised learning technology of Helm.ai in the United States and experienced driver behavior models, the AI ​​can learn with a small amount of data and provide highly accurate driving assistance. This will enable the system to accurately predict risks and smoothly avoid them, even when driving on roads that are completely new to the driver/vehicle, allowing Honda to rapidly expand the scope of autonomous driving and driving assistance.