TESLA is set to face some very stiff competition in 2026 – as Honda looks to drop two ultra-futuristic EVs that will rival their two biggest sellers.
The Japanese giants unveiled two wedge-looking motors at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week – called the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV.
Naturally, these could go up against the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y – the US car maker’s stylish saloon and crossover SUV respectively that have both become regulars on the road across the UK and beyond.
The two Honda designs, much like Tesla’s offerings, look almost identical although both remain in their prototype phase and will come into production by 2026.
The Saloon, which may just be a concept-style name for now, will be Honda’s flagship model of the 0 Series, which they highlight for its “low height and sporty styling” which sets the Saloon “apart from other EVs”.
The 0 Series cars, which will begin with the saloon and SUV as well as five other models worldwide by 2030, will be developed using a “Thin, Light and Wise” approach – which includes automated driving for the 0 Saloon.
This is said to allow the driver to take their eyes off the road and perform a ‘second task’ while they’re in heavy traffic or on motorways.
However, through over-the-air updates, Honda is looking to become the first automaker to enable eyes-off driving in all situations – with the help of AI, naturally.
Honda says the 0 SUV will be the first of their new 0 Series cars to be introduced in North America, before it goes on sale in Japan and Europe.
Described as a mid-size EV SUV, it boasts a blocky design and estate, or wagon-style, rear.
In terms of cabin features, the 0 Series will come with ‘3D gyro sensors’ to “enable dynamic control at the will of the driver on various road surfaces” – which could mean touchscreen controls, perhaps.
Mechanically, the 0 Series will come with a battery that is six per cent thinner than those on Honda’s current range of EVs, and around 100kg less in weight.
A range of 300 miles has been mentioned for the saloon, but there’s no word on the starting price, power, or charging speeds for either model.
Coming sooner is a micro EV that could seriously shake up the cheap electric car market.
The little-known Hong Kong brand XEV is introducing its compact Yoyo Pro to the UK, poised to compete with models such as the Citroen Ami.
Technically classed as a quadricycle – the same as other L7e vehicles such as buggies and quad-bikes – the Yoyo Pro is all electric with a stonking 50 mph top speed and a range of 93 miles.
Created in Italy and made of just 57 components, the Yoyo Pro makes extensive use of 3D-printing for its bodywork and cabin.
Autoexpress claims its price will sit around the £15k mark, which pits it against the Dacia Spring – the cheapest EV in the UK at £14,995.
Elsewhere, the best-selling cars in the UK of 2024 have been revealed – with the aforementioned Tesla Model Y breaking into the top five.
Indeed, it is the only EV to feature in last year’s top 10, with the model’s fresh battery seemingly helping it overcome its sharp slump in sales.
However, it was Ford who came out on top, with the popular manufacturer’s Puma snapped up more than any other model for the second year running.
