Honda O Series marks EV reset

Japanese car maker commits to EVs with innovative seven-model rollout by 2030

- CHARLIE MARTIN

H onda is working on a Tesla Model 3-rivalling saloon as one of seven radical new electric cars that it plans to bring to market by 2030.

The saloon is part of the firm's new O Series, which represents a total reset of how the firm develops EVs. The seven O Series cars will prioritise weight reduction and aerodynamic performance and stand out for "the joy of driving", said the company.

Honda is developing the models with a "thin" ethos, minimising the number of parts used in each model and adopting lightweight aluminium chassis structures. Those chassis will eventually be die-casted to reduce part complexity and therefore weight and costs.

Each will be driven by a pair of e-axles, comprising a motor, inverter and gearbox within a single unit and providing a claimed weight saving of around 100kg compared with Honda's existing EVs.