Honda's Saloon EV Concept Nears Production-Ready Status with 90% Design Retention for 2026
In the realm of concept cars, Honda's Saloon EV showcased at CES embraces innovation with an acknowledgment that not all its features will transition to production. Gullwing doors and a distinctive interior, deemed impractical for everyday use, are among the elements destined for revision. However, Honda remains steadfast in ensuring that the production model, slated for release in 2026, closely mirrors the visionary Saloon concept.
As the inaugural vehicle in Honda's 0 Series EV lineup, the forward-looking Saloon embodies a commitment to efficiency, engagement, spaciousness, autonomy, and a daring design philosophy. Katsushida Okuda, Head of Honda Europe, notes that the 0 Series signifies Honda's dedication to "creating outstanding projects from zero, unconstrained by existing assumptions." Essentially, Honda is resetting the automotive compass, initiating EV development from scratch.
The Saloon's distinctive design, described by Toshinobu Minami, the concept's designer, as retaining "90 percent" of its appearance in the production version, stands as a testament to Honda's commitment to a bold design language. While comparisons have been drawn to various vehicles, including '70s wedge-shaped concept cars and the Nissan Max Out Concept, Minami clarifies that the design stems from a human-centric viewpoint, prioritizing both function and emotion.
The wedge-shaped silhouette, complemented by a flat rear end, underscores the Saloon's low-slung profile, while Honda's strategy to minimize battery size aligns with the goal of achieving lighter and more efficient 0 Series vehicles. Despite targeting a range exceeding 300 miles (483 km), Honda aims for a slim floor to optimize interior space and overall design.
Acknowledging that solid-state batteries are still on the horizon, Honda relies on advanced battery management software to enhance range and minimize degradation. Aiming for 90 percent battery capacity retention after a decade of use, the automaker showcases its commitment to longevity and performance.
While extravagant auto-show features may be trimmed down, the forward display might endure, serving a practical purpose on the road rather than merely as a showpiece. Honda explores ways to integrate the screen into real-world driving scenarios, potentially including communication with other road users—a crucial element as the brand develops its autonomous technology for 0 Series vehicles.
With the final design approved and the vehicle undergoing testing in the U.S., a comprehensive reveal or a near-production study is anticipated by 2025. Sales are scheduled to commence in North America in 2026, followed by launches in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The Honda Saloon EV Concept represents a significant stride toward a new era of electrified automotive innovation.