Despite a fluctuating electric vehicle market, Honda and Acura are forging ahead with a robust plan for their next wave of EVs, set to debut from late 2025 into 2026. This ambitious strategy marks a significant departure from their earlier reliance on external partnerships, such as those with General Motors for battery and powertrain components. Instead, the focus is squarely on proprietary development and innovative in-house technologies. This commitment underscores a long-term vision for electric mobility, showcasing a more integrated and self-sufficient approach to manufacturing and design, which will ultimately offer consumers a diverse range of sophisticated and high-performance electric options.
The upcoming electric models – the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1, the Acura RSX EV, and the Honda 0 Series Saloon and SUV – represent a concerted effort to redefine electric driving. Each vehicle is designed with unique characteristics, from advanced AI and entertainment systems to sporty performance and minimalist efficiency. This strategic diversification, combined with substantial investments in manufacturing infrastructure, such as the new EV Hub in Ohio, positions Honda and Acura to adapt to evolving market demands while solidifying their presence in the electric automotive landscape. Their measured, yet determined, progression reflects a nuanced understanding of the current EV climate, emphasizing sustainable growth and technological innovation.
Pioneering Electric Mobility: The Afeela 1 and Acura RSX EV
The Honda and Acura brands are set to revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape with their imminent launches of the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1 and the Acura RSX EV. These vehicles epitomize a significant shift towards proprietary technological advancements and distinct market positioning. The Afeela 1, a product of the innovative Sony-Honda collaboration, promises a sophisticated fusion of automotive engineering and advanced entertainment systems, targeting tech-savvy consumers. Concurrently, the Acura RSX EV marks a bold return for the iconic nameplate, reimagined as a performance-driven electric sportback designed to captivate enthusiasts with its dynamic capabilities and modern features. This dual introduction underscores Honda's dedication to diverse market segments within the burgeoning EV space.
The Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1, a sleek liftback, is engineered to set new benchmarks in the mid-size EV category. Boasting a potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 483 horsepower and a substantial 91 kWh battery providing a 300-mile range, it's designed for both performance and practicality. Its appeal extends beyond raw power, with an AI-powered cockpit, seamless over-the-air updates, and advanced sensor technology creating an immersive and intelligent driving experience. The Acura RSX EV, slated for a late 2025 debut, will herald Acura's first entirely in-house electric offering. This sporty fastback will feature a shorter wheelbase than its ZDX counterpart, incorporating dynamic design elements like flared arches and prominent Brembo brakes. Equipped with the intuitive Asimo OS, it will offer extensive personalization options, over-the-air updates, and bidirectional charging, combining a thrilling driving experience with cutting-edge connectivity.
The Future of Driving: Honda's 0 Series
Honda's commitment to electric innovation culminates in the highly anticipated 0 Series, comprising both an SUV and a Saloon model. This new lineup is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, embodying a fresh design philosophy focused on efficiency, intelligence, and refined aesthetics. The 0 Series vehicles are not merely electric; they are a vision for future transportation, integrating minimalist design with spacious interiors and advanced autonomous capabilities. By prioritizing a balanced approach between energy efficiency and sleek vehicle profiles, Honda aims to deliver a compelling blend of practicality, style, and state-of-the-art technology to the mass market.
The Honda 0 Series is built on the innovative "Thin, Light, Wise" engineering philosophy, emphasizing a slender battery pack, compact e-axles, and active aerodynamic features to maximize efficiency and performance. The 0 Series SUV is expected to be the first to launch in 2026, followed by the elegantly designed 0 Series Saloon. Both models will feature spacious, minimalist interiors powered by the Asimo OS and are being developed with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. The design of the 0 Series SUV draws inspiration from the popular CR-V, presenting a modern and seamless exterior with clean lines and minimal gaps. The Saloon concept, with its distinctive sliding headlight covers, offers a nod to classic design while embracing a futuristic aesthetic, promising a unique and sophisticated driving experience. This comprehensive approach to design and technology showcases Honda’s dedication to a new era of electric mobility.