aluminium conference| Honda's Aluminum-Chassis Electric Car Ushers in a New Era of Performance and Efficiency"

Honda is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market with its innovative all-new electric sedan, aimed at competing with industry leaders like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal. This vehicle is a key part of Honda’s ambitious 0 Series, which includes plans to unveil seven electric models by 2030. These models will focus on reducing weight and maximizing aerodynamic efficiency, all while ensuring they are enjoyable to drive. Central to Honda’s strategy is the reduction of component complexity by lightweight aluminum in chassis construction—a method inspired by the die-casting technology pioneered by Tesla in the Model Y. This approach not only reduces the weight and cost of parts but also enhances performance and efficiency.

Building on its extensive experience with hybrid vehicles, such as the latest Civic sedan, Honda is setting the stage for advanced electric powertrains. The introduction of the new ‘e-axle’, which integrates the motor, inverter, and gearbox into a single unit, is set to lighten the vehicle by approximately 100kg compared to current EV models. These vehicles will feature all-wheel drive with dual e-axles and skid plate platforms, alongside a lower floor thickness to optimize weight distribution and enable a more dynamic driving experience.

Each model in the 0 Series is designed to cover more than 480 kilometers on a single charge, according to the US EPA test cycle, which provides a more realistic measure of range compared to the European WLTP standard. Honda is targeting a challenging 5% return on sales, reflective of the current competitive market dynamics.

To further reduce costs, Honda is planning to produce its own batteries through a joint venture with South Korea's LG, with the plant expected to start operations in 2025 and aim for an annual capacity of 40 GWh. The company is also investigating opportunities in battery recycling and raw material sourcing to cut battery costs by 20% by the end of the decade. By 2030, Honda aims to achieve a 35% reduction in production costs, aligning with its strategic goals in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.