Before Honda pulls the sheet off a new EV model in its new 0 Series lineup in 2025, it invited us out to Japan to take a peak behind the curtain at its global R&D center, production facilities, and some other cool spots to share insight on the technology it’s looking to implement in future 0 models. We also were one of the first in the world to test drive Honda’s new 0 Series EV architecture.
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Honda’s 0 Series is beginning to take shape
As you’ll learn below, there is still a lot we don’t know about the technology we will see in Honda’s future all-electric 0 Series lineup. However, what we have learned is encouraging and exciting from a Japanese automaker that has been a bit late to the BEV party.
Honda unveiled plans for its new 0 Series in Las Vegas during CES 2024, where it unveiled two initial concept cars it said would serve as precursors to production models for the global market. That unveiling included the “Space Hub” being developed under the idea of “augmenting people’s daily lives,” and the “Saloon” (seen above and below” it describes as its flagship concept to its 0 Series design language.
At that time, we learned Honda’s first passenger EV, the 0 Series, will be based on the Saloon concept and is expected to hit the North American market in 2026. We are unsure exactly how the production model will differ from the radical and sleek-looking Saloon. Still, after spending a week in Japan with Honda, we have a better idea of what sort of technology and production techniques the innovative OEM is looking to implement.
Much of it is encouraging, and some of it is downright impressive, but many questions remain about which of the technologies introduced to the media will make their way into 0 Series EVs and when. Still, there’s a lot of cool stuff to unpack here, so let’s dig in.
Honda introduced a slew of new EV tech in the works
To better understand the technology that went into Honda’s nascent lineup of BEV models in development, the company invited several media from around the world, including Electrek, to a Honda 0 Tech Meeting, held at its Global Plaza in Tochigi, Japan, about 140 km north of Tokyo.
During the meeting, we saw a presentation led by Honda Motor Co. director, president, and CEO Toshihiro Mibe and Toshihiro Akiwa, the vice president and head of BEV development. Here, the Honda executives broke down several new ideas generated for the 0 series, a name that represents a fresh start and a new generation of vehicles for the all-electric era.
Design and development are centered around three core beliefs – “Thin, light, and wise,” which are at the center of Honda’s new dedicated EV platform that will help it deliver thin and low-weight styling as we saw in the Saloon concept.
The new (yet-to-be-named) platform has adopted 2.0 GPa grade hot stamping steel material, created using new megacasting machines you can see more of below. The BEV-specific architecture enabled Honda to develop thinner battery packs using some really interesting friction welding to allow for maximum efficiency and thus range.
Honda is not trying to blow people away with its range, but instead has tried to maximize space and maintain lightweight and efficiency to help keep production costs down and deliver new models that are more affordable. Furthermore, the automaker shared it is targeting EPA range of around 300 miles.
New technologies like a heat pump and Honda’s new “e-Axle” motors and inverters have evolved from its hybrid EV developmen but have been downsized to achieve a horizontal layout to maximize cabin space and allow for lower right heights.
After our presentation and Q&A with Honda’s executives, we got a chance to walk through and experience expert explanations and demonstrations from the Honda BEV team. These included several new technologies that Honda will implement or at least try to implement in future models.
This included a look at the 0 platform’s new steering stability index that can flex the vehicle body in real time to control each tire’s load while cornering. This body rigidity design also allowed Honda to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight by 100kg (220 lbs) compared to previous EV models like the Prologue.
We also got a look at Honda’s ECU placement as well as a glimpse at how it intends to implement sensor technology like LiDAR into 0 Series ADAS that it says will aim to offer “experiences that make people want to go out more spontaneously” and will eventually allow for hands off, eyes off Level 3 automated driving. Per Honda:
Honda 0 Series models will be equipped with a system that enables the expansion of the range of driving conditions where driver assistance and Level 3 automated driving (eyes off) will be available. The expansion will start with eyes-off technology available in traffic congestion on highways, then continue through the OTA updates of the functions.
Other UX demos we saw were things like AI-integration and facial recognition software that could enable future Honda 0 vehicles to recognize an owner walking up and open the door for them. Better still, this technology can recognize if you are carrying a child and will open a rear door, or if they are in a stroller, also open the trunk for stowage.
Inside the cabin, Honda’s in-house OS can recognize the driver and their passengers, and can even distinguish if a pet is in the car and suggest that it may be time for them to stop for a potty break. Lastly, we got to demo an interesting social feature Honda is exploring in which a driver can loop their friend into the car ride while they’re at home via VR headset.
Check out the video we captured below. We were connected live to some other Honda employees in another part of Japan and rode along with them. We were able to communicate and request songs, and even stand up and get a view from outside the car as it moved.
A lot of these technologies were cool to see, but aside from the powertrain and battery technology, Honda wouldn’t give any sort of confirmation or timeline as to when they will actually be implemented in a production model. Clearly they’re still working a lot of technology out, and that’s fine, as we won’t see the first Honda 0 EV (based on the Saloon) until 2026, but six more BEV models are expected to arrive by 2030.
Since we have yet to see a bonafide Honda 0 Series production model emerge, we couldn’t drive one. However, the automaker did offer an opportunity to test out the new 0 architecture installed beneath some of its existing models.
Test driving Honda’s new 0 Series architecture
It wasn’t a Saloon, but it was something. From Tochigi, Honda arranged an opportunity for Electrek to be one of the first to actually drive its new 0 platform, providing media with two all-electric prototypes to test out.
They may look like a traditional CR-V and Accord from the images below, but these unique builds are 100% electric, and feature the e-Axle and thinner battery technology mentioned above. Due to time contraints, we were only able to drive one to the other prototype, and only had a few minutes with it. I chose the sedan thinking it was lower and more similar in design to the Saloon concept, and got to do three leaps around Honda’s local test track.
My first impression is that it drives like an EV. The response is quick, acceleration is smooth but not mind-boggling, and the handling was quite comfortable, even at high speeds. Forgive me for my lack of real detail, but it’s hard to critique architecture alone, especially when driving in a vehicle body that was not specifically designed for the 0 architecture.
Because of this, the prototypes still had mechanical steering as opposed to steer-by-wire planned for the production model 0 BEVs, so I wasn’t able to get the full experience of Hond’s next generation of vehicles, but it still was a joy to test out.
Honda also had a static Honda e BEV it was using as a UX concept. This was cool because customers may someday be able to choose different engine noises from renowned models like the RSX or Civic Type-R to flood their BEV cabin with revving sounds. There’s also an option to choose Honda Jet noises. Have a listen:
Like most of the tech we saw in Tochigi, Honda could not confirm or deny if and when this UX feature would be available to customers. However, it’s an excellent idea for those who want to go electric but still love the roar of a Honda engine, especially since the sound is not projected outside the vehicle for the rest of us to hear.
From what I could gather, Honda’s architecture is on the right track. Still, I left the 2024 Tech Meeting with more questions than answers about what technologies will be implemented in the future. Still, the trip had plenty of other highlights, including a look at Honda’s new production techniques, which admittedly blew me away.
Other highlights from the Honda Tech Meeting 2024
In my opinion, one of the most interesting aspects of our tour around Honda’s facilities was a look at its pilot production lines where future 0 BEVs will be built in Japan. This included a demonstration of Honda’s new 6,000-ton megacasting machine – six of which will go into operation at Honda’s US production facility in Ohio.
Honda shared that it was able to reduce the number of parts in its Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) from 60 to 5 using megacasting, and has taken an approach to utilize a dedicated case piece to a common part using truly amazing friction welding that will enable Honda to more efficiently build modular EV IPUs to suite a number of body sizes.
Another demonstration I found quite interesting was the world’s first application of Honda’s proprietary Constant DC Chopping (CDC) welding technology. The technique maximizes heat distribution to a weld, reducing vehicle weight while increasing passive safety performance. Here’s it in action. Notice how there are no sparks?
Electrek’s take
All in all, Honda is definitely making a conscious effort to compete in the BEV market with its upcoming 0 Series. I saw a lot of innovation, particularly within its pilot production lines, but there was a feeling of secrecy as Honda is still keeping much of its hand close to its chest.
We media have heard a lot of phrases like “someday” and “in the future,” but there are no clear timelines for when and if some of the introduced technology will make its way into production models. Perhaps it was a tad too early for a Tech Day, but it was an informative and exciting experience nonetheless.
Much of the tech Honda introduced has already been implemented into BEVs currently on the market, but it’s quite clear that the Japanese automaker is looking to optimize and master those elements to stand out. I see a genuine opportunity here for Honda to truly embrace BEVs and become the leader in the space across all Japanese automakers.
The Saloon concept is much larger and roomier up close, and its overall design is unlike anything else on the road right now. It will be exciting to see how close a production 0 Series version comes to that initial design, but at this point, we still don’t know.
One thing we did learn, is that Honda is planning to unveil a second 0 series production model this January at CES 2025. According to the automaker, this new BEV model “will be the embodiment in product form of the technologies and electrification concept introduced during the 0 Tech Meeting 2024.”
I was thinking about skipping CES this year, but now I want to see what Honda unveils next. We will be sure to report back at that time.
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It’s not a Kia or Hyundai, but the Musso EV pickup truck is shaking up the Korean Market. After the first models left for Europe, the company’s CEO is already saying it will be a “driving force” as it goes on a global conquest.
Korea has a new EV pickup that’s going global
During an event celebrating the first exports of its new Musso EV and Torres HEV pickup trucks, KG Mobility’s CEO, Kwak Jae-Seon, said the new models “have already received favorable reviews and garnered much attention from reporters and sales agents.”
KG Mobility (KGM) expects them to serve as “a driving force” as it expands exports into new global markets. The first Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) hit the seas on June 12 carrying 983 vehicles, 184 Musso EVs, and 799 Torres HEVs.
The vessel is headed for Europe, where the first models will be sold in Germany, Spain, Norway, Hungary, and other markets, starting in August.
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Jae-Seon, who personally drove the Musso EV onto the car carrier, said during the event that pickup is now on a “full-scale conquest” as it rolls out globally.
KG Mobility Musso EV and Torres HEV pickup launch event (Source: KG Mobility)
KGM’s EV pickup has already generated quite the buzz in Korea, beating Hyundai and Kia to the first fully electric pickup truck.
After launching the Musso EV pickup in Korea in March, the company announced it had secured over 3,200 orders in two weeks. The Special Edition model sold out in an hour and a half.
KGM promotes the vehicles as “a new alternative to mid-size SUVs” that’s more useful as an everyday ride with more interior space.
Measuring 5,160 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,740 mm tall, the electric pickup is about the size of a Ford Ranger (5,225 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,866 mm tall).
KGM Musso EV electric pickup truck interior (Source: KGM)
The infotainment system looks a lot like new Hyundai and Kia EVs with a dual 12.3″ driver cluster and touchscreen navigation screens in a panoramic display.
It also comes with a Land Rover-like ClearSite Ground View camera, allowing you to see what’s beneath you through several strategically placed cameras.
The electric pickup is powered by an 86.6 kWh LFP battery, providing a range of nearly 250 miles (400 km). With up 200 kW fast charging, it can recharge to 80% in 24 minutes.
KGM’s Musso EV is available in both single (FWD) and dual-motor setups. The FWD version features a 152.2 kW front motor, producing up to 207 horsepower, while the AWD model boasts up to 413 horsepower. It can tow almost 4,000 lbs (1.8 tons) and includes a “trailer sway function” to stabilize the vehicle while towing.
The Musso EV pickup starts at 48 million won, or about $35,000. With incentives, KGM says the purchase price is closer to 39.62 million won ($29,000).
With more monthly exports in May than it has in 10 years, KGM expects the Musso EV pickup to accelerate the momentum.
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More news out of day one of the Paris Auto Show, as aerospace manufacturer BETA Technologies announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Republic Airways Holdings in which the latter will evaluate the potential of BETA’s all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft for regional passenger and cargo flights.
Republic Airways is a regional airline based in Indianapolis that operates services for other larger US airlines like American, Delta, and United. As a regional travel provider, eVTOL and eCTOL travel are becoming genuine travel options as companies like BETA Technologies move closer to certification and commercial operations.
As reported earlier this month, BETA Technologies recently completed a flight into New York City with actual passengers aboard its ALIA CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft. One of those passengers was Republic Airways President and Chief Commercial Officer, Matt Koscal.
Koscal must have been impressed by BETA’s ALIA CTOL, because Republic Airways and BETA announced a new agreement to evaluate the aircraft for future service, beginning later this year.
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Republic President and Chief Commercial Officer, Matt Koscal (left) and BETA founder and CEO, Kyle Clark / Source: BETA Technologies
Republic Airways to test viability of BETA’s ALIA CTOL
According to BETA Technologies, it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Through the agreement, BETA will give Brickyard Connection, LLC., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Republic Air, access to a pre-certified ALIA CTL aircraft.
From there, Brickyard Connection and BETA will assess the aircraft’s performance, operational economics, infrastructure requirements, and overall viability for regional passenger and cargo flights. Today’s MoU news builds upon an existing relationship between BETA and Republic Airways, which could lead to bona fide regional eVTOL and eCTOL travel. Matt Koscal elaborated:
We’re excited by the opportunities Advanced Air Mobility technologies represent for regional connectivity and BETA’s innovative approach to electric flight aligns with our vision. We’ve been working with BETA for the past 18 months and continue to be impressed—not just by the performance and design of their CTOL aircraft, but by the company’s leadership, culture, and values. We look forward to exploring real-world use cases and our joint pursuit of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air travel.
In addition to evaluating the ALIA CTOL aircraft, BETA and Republic Airways said they will also research the potential deployment of the former’s aircraft charging technology to support future operations. Per BETA, Republic Air and Brickyard Connection should gain access to the ALIA CTOL sometime in late 2025.
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EcoFlow extends Father’s Day Sale with new bundles like the DELTA 2 Max with a 500W panel at $1,405
EcoFlow has extended its Father’s Day Sale offers through June 22, which is including most of the savings we’ve been seeing alongside ongoing sitewide bonus savings. The big changeup with this extension is the addition of more member-only pricing (free to sign up), which includes a first-time offer for the DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator bundle with a 500W bifacial modular panel for $1,405.05 shipped, after using the sitewide code EFFDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package deal is getting a 48% combined markdown here for the next few days, bringing costs down from its full $2,699 price tag. We typically see its variant bundle with two 220W panels selling for between $1,499 and $1,424 during recent sales. This bundle, however, offers more solar input for $19 less, setting the bar for future discounts in the process, while also running you a bill for $1,998 at Amazon right now when grabbing the power station and 500W panel separately.
A great mid-range and expandable backup power option, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max brings a reliable 2,048Wh LiFePO4 battery along for your trips into the wilds or even to cover appliances during unexpected blackouts. With the addition of its compatible expansion batteries, you can increase that capacity up to 6,144Wh. There’s also the 2,400W of steady power you’ll get through its 15 output ports, surging as high as 3,400W once its X-Boost mode has been activated within its companion app.
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With EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Max, you can connect up to two panels, with the station boasting a 1,000W max solar input for solar charging, while also being able to refill its battery through a wall outlet (1.1 hour recharge), or through dual charging by solar and AC simultaneously to reach 80% in 43 minutes. With the purchase of an alternator charger, you can also take advantage of charging as you drive.
***Note: The additional 5% in savings has not been factored into the prices below, so be sure to use the code EFFDAFF5 at checkout for the maximum savings!
You can browse the rest of EcoFlow’s extended Father’s Day Sale lineup in our original coverage here, and don’t forget that you’ll have until June 22 to take advantage of these deals before the sale officially ends.
Pick up Bluetti’s AC180P 1,440Wh LiFePO4 power station with exclusive $438 savings to a new $461 low
We’ve secured an exclusive new low price from Wellbots for our readers on the Bluetti AC180P Portable Power Station for $461.34 shipped, after using the exclusive code BLUETTI9TO5 at checkout. You’d normally be shelling out $899 for this unit at full price here, while it carries a higher $999 tag directly from the brand and can be found as high as $1,099 at other retailers. We’ve had two previous exclusive deals on this model over the last year, the first being in October for $499, while in February it was brought down to $487. The savings are increasing even more today, as this combined 49% markdown cuts $438 from the going rate and lands it at a new all-time low.
Bluetti’s AC180P power station comes as the largest unit in the brand’s AC180 series, providing you ample support for off-grid camping while also having your back for essential emergency power. There’s a 1,440Wh LiFePO4 capacity here, with it dishing out a steady output of up to 1,800W (surging as high as 2,700W when needed). What’s nice about power stations is their ability to retain charges for long periods of emergency backup, with this model able to hold an 80% charge for three to six months, letting you always have it at the ready by just charging it two to four times throughout the year. There’s more output ports here too, with it providing four ACs, four USB-As, one USB-C, one DC car port, and even a wireless charger.
There’s a versatile array of charging options too, with turbo-charging tech lending to a 45-minute charge time to an 80% battery (100% in 1.8 hours) via a standard wall outlet. You can also connect up to its 500W max solar input to refill the battery in 3.3 hours via the sun, or you can plug it into your car’s auxiliary port for a 12.5-hour charge, which is esepcially helpful while driving (as it could drain the car battery if left for too long).
Automate pool skimming with Aiper’s latest solar-charging Surfer S2 robot at a new $306 low
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is now offering the best price yet on its Surfer S2 Solar Robotic Pool Skimmer at $305.98 shipped, which also matches its direct pricing from the brand’s site. This model has only been on the market since January, with it previously carrying a $540 price tag, though we’ve been more recently seeing it keep down at $400, with discounts having taken it as low as $320 up until today. It’s beating out our previous mention from last month by $14, giving you a great opportunity to upgrade your pool cleaning routine at the best new price we have tracked.
Aiper’s Surfer S2 robot comes with improved designs over its first-generation predecessor, including its DebrisGuard anti-leak design, a more powerful brushless motor, and a larger suction inlet that is paired alongside a 150-micron filtration system, giving you better performance regardless of it being for smaller or larger debris. There’s a larger battery with this model too, letting it run for up to 35 hours on a single charge, with the onboard solar panel topping it off during every sunny day, while also providing a DC adapter as a backup charging option during cloudier times.
Aiper has given this robot dual dToF sensors that work with the brand’s algorithms for greater obstacle avoidance capabilities – with it even knowing when to deploy or retract its four anti-standing columns to keep it from getting caught on pool steps. Should these columns fail at preventing this, the robot has self-rescue programming to get it back to deeper waters. It comes with a full array of smart controls through its app, letting you monitor or adjust settings, as well as manually steer it should you want a particular area taken care of. You can check out all the other discounted models from Aiper in the brand’s official Amazon storefront here.
Make quick work of trees and shrubbery with EGO’s 56V 14-inch cordless electric chainsaw at $189
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw for $189 shipped. This model has been recently fetching $229 at full price, with it having been available at $189 off and on since mid-May. You can pick up your own while the savings last, cutting $40 off the going rate at the best price we have tracked over the last 12 months.
The brushless motor inside this 56V EGO chainsaw is equivalent to a 30CC gas model, giving you up to 6,800 RPM for more eco-friendly and efficient cuts, while also allowing you to toss out that noisy and fume-belching gas guzzler. The included 2.5Ah battery provides enough juice for up to 100 cuts on a single charge, giving you ample support for firewood or cutting up trees and shrubbery that may becomes damaged from this year’s hurricane season. What’s especially nice about EGO tools/batteries is that they come compatible with each other, allowing you to switch things around for longer runtimes or to power multiple different tools off one source.
Aerate soil before planting with Greenworks’ 40V 10-inch cordless tiller/cultivator at $206
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 40V 10-inch Cordless Tiller/Cultivator for $206.20 shipped. Normally going for $280 at full price, discounts have mostly kept the costs above $240 during 2025 so far, with a few previous falls as low as $216. The deal here brings a 26% markdown to the pricing, cutting $74 off the tag for the best price we have tracked. It’s even beating out the direct pricing from Greenworks’ website, where it’s sitting $32 higher.
While we’re no longer in the prime cultivating time of spring, the weather this year for many regions around the country has only just begun warming up, meaning that this Greenworks tiller/cultivator would still be good to use – and that’s not counting any fall planting you’ve got on the books which will need prepping for. The included 4.0Ah battery keeps the motor running for up to 45 continuous minutes of breaking up/aerating your soil, coming with an adjustable tilling width of 8.25 to 10 inches. The best part is that it’s virtually maintenance-free, as you won’t have to deal with gas, oil, or noisy/fume-heavy emissions. If you already have the appropriate battery for it, you can pick up just the tool on its own for $170, down from $220.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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