Honda Will Present Cheap Electric Cars At The End Of This Decade, Focus On Battery Technology

The concept of 'Series 0' is exhibited at CES 2024. (Doc. Honda Global)

JAKARTA - Earlier this year at the 2024 Consumer Electronic Show (CES), Honda launched two Seri 0' modes as the basis for the manufacturer's future electric vehicle (EV) model.

The series of concepts consists of Saloon and Space-Hub. In fact, there is an opportunity that one of these models will be presented in the form of an entry-level or affordable version of the EV.

Honda has not provided a period of time for the continuation of this concept, but brand officials have confirmed that the entry-level model will eventually become part of the product lineup and it is likely that the car will be the successor to the Jazz and Civic hatchback.

"Towards the end of this decade, presenting an entry-level version of EV is something we want to make happen," said Shinji Aoyama, Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co, quoted from Autocar, Saturday, February 3.

In line with Aoyama, Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, said that the presence of an affordable version of EV can increase volume and will think of battery technology suitable for this segment.

To increase the volume, we need more affordable electric vehicles. Instead of reducing battery sizes, we want to think about battery technology, "said Mibe.

Previously, Honda had agreed to share affordable EV development with its partner, General Motors (GM). However, this $5 billion cooperation was canceled at the end of last year.

So the Japanese manufacturer decided to develop it on its own even though it would be a challenge because an affordable EV will be produced on a large scale.

"We decided to work on our own affordable EVs, and Honda has other alternative strategies to fulfill this," added Mibe.

Last year, the company with the 'H' logo also exhibited an affordable electric vehicle concept, Sustaina-C, a retro-style EV that took inspiration from City models that prioritized sustainability whose materials were made from recycled acrylics.