At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Honda has introduced two new electric concept vehicles and an innovative in-car operating system. The unveiling marks a significant step forward in the company's ambition to lead in Level 3 autonomous driving technology. While these innovations bear no direct connection to historical milestones like the Commodore 64, they signal Honda's commitment to shaping the future of automotive design and functionality. The concepts, named the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, alongside the Asimo OS, showcase Honda's vision for the next generation of electric vehicles set for production in 2026.
Revolutionary Design: The Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV
The Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV present striking designs that push the boundaries of modern automotive aesthetics. These vehicles are not just visually appealing but also hint at a bold direction for Honda's future models. The sleek lines and angular shapes of the 0 Saloon evoke a blend of retro-futurism, while the 0 SUV offers a more conventional yet equally dramatic appearance. Both models are confirmed for production in 2026, signaling Honda's readiness to bring these concepts to life.
The 0 Saloon stands out with its unique front-end design reminiscent of a simplified supercar, combined with an overall shape that recalls classic compact cars. Its rear features an innovative taillight treatment that creates an infinity-box effect, possibly incorporating the rear window into the light assembly. This design element is reminiscent of the Maserati Khasmin. Meanwhile, the 0 SUV adopts a two-box design with a distinctive Kamm-like rear end, offering a balanced mix of tradition and innovation. Inside, both vehicles boast a futuristic interior with expansive LCD screens dominating the dashboard and a large glass roof that enhances the airy, modern feel. The absence of physical controls, however, might be a point of contention for some drivers.
Advancing Autonomous Driving with Asimo OS
Honda's introduction of the Asimo OS represents a significant leap in automotive software development. Named after the company's discontinued humanoid robotics program, this operating system integrates advanced intelligence technologies to enhance automated driving capabilities. Honda aims to offer unique software-defined vehicle (SDV) experiences through Asimo OS, which will manage various electronic control units (ECUs) for systems such as automated driving, driver assistance, and infotainment. The focus on Level 3 automated driving is particularly noteworthy, promising to revolutionize how we interact with our vehicles.
Level 3 automated driving allows the vehicle to oversee driving under certain conditions, enabling the driver to engage in secondary tasks like watching movies or participating in virtual meetings. Honda plans to expand this capability gradually, starting with traffic congestion on highways and progressing through over-the-air (OTA) updates. A key challenge remains the handover process when the car requires human intervention. Honda is working on addressing this critical issue, aiming to ensure seamless transitions between autonomous and manual driving modes. If successful, Honda could become the first automaker to extend eyes-off functions to all driving situations, opening up new possibilities in mobility. The company's commitment to advancing this technology signals its intent to lead the industry in autonomous driving solutions.
Aptera, a company with a storied past in the automotive industry, has unveiled its production-intent version of a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). After facing numerous challenges and relaunching in 2019, Aptera is now poised to deliver its innovative solar EV by the end of this year. The company's latest iteration showcases advancements in solar technology and aerodynamics, promising up to 40 miles of daily driving powered solely by sunlight. Aptera aims to revolutionize sustainable transportation with this vehicle, which will be available in various battery configurations, including a 45kWh pack offering 400 miles of range. With over 50,000 reservations already secured, Aptera is making significant strides towards its production goals.
Revolutionizing Automotive Design: A Journey from Gas to Solar Power
Aptera's journey began in 2006 with a vision of creating an ultra-efficient vehicle. Initially, the founders, Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, aimed to develop a teardrop-shaped car powered by a small gas engine. However, financial difficulties led to the company's dissolution in 2011. Fast forward to 2019, Aptera re-emerged with a futuristic approach—solar-powered electric vehicles. This shift aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its aerodynamic design and extensive use of solar panels, positioning it as a leader in eco-friendly automotive technology.
The transition from gasoline to solar power marks a significant milestone for Aptera. The original concept of achieving 330 miles per gallon with a gas engine was ambitious but limited by conventional fuel constraints. By embracing solar energy, Aptera not only addresses environmental concerns but also taps into a virtually limitless power source. The new vehicle's design features solar panels on the hood, dash, roof, and hatch, capable of generating up to 40 miles of free driving each day. In sunny climates, this translates to over 10,000 miles annually of solar-powered travel. This advancement underscores Aptera's dedication to sustainability and sets a new standard for electric vehicles.
Showcasing Progress and Future Prospects at CES
Aptera's presence at CES offers a glimpse into the future of transportation. The company has been diligently preparing for production, conducting rigorous wind tunnel tests to achieve one of the lowest drag coefficients ever recorded. Receiving carbon fiber bodies and completing low-speed drives are just a few milestones achieved. At CES, Aptera demonstrated the vehicle's capabilities with a successful 20-mile drive that ended with more charge than it started, thanks to its efficient solar panels. This public demonstration signifies a major step toward mass production and delivery.
Beyond the unveiling, Aptera plans to make further announcements regarding its battery pack and anticipates offering track time for investors in the coming months. The company's crowdfunding campaign has raised $135 million, reflecting strong public interest and support. Aptera's launch edition vehicle, priced at $40,000, will feature a 45kWh battery pack providing 400 miles of range. While previous claims of a 1,000-mile battery pack have been scaled back, the focus remains on delivering a reliable and efficient vehicle. With 50,000 reservations already in place, Aptera is committed to meeting its end-of-year delivery target, setting the stage for a new era in solar-powered mobility.
The Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has reported a significant boost in sales for the past year, primarily driven by heightened demand for its electric vehicles. In 2024, the company experienced an overall sales increase of eight percent compared to the previous year. However, the most notable growth was seen in fully electric vehicles, which saw a remarkable surge of 54 percent. The company sold a total of 763,389 units, including 175,194 fully electric cars and 177,593 hybrid models. Despite this positive trend, December's sales showed a decline compared to the same month last year. Additionally, while European sales jumped by 25 percent, there was a downturn in China and the United States.
Electric Vehicle Momentum Propels Overall Growth
Volvo Cars' impressive performance can be attributed to the rapid rise in consumer interest in electric vehicles. The automaker sold a record number of 763,389 vehicles in 2024, marking an eight percent increase from the previous year. Among these, fully electric vehicles accounted for 175,194 units, representing a substantial 54 percent jump. This shift towards electric mobility aligns with global trends favoring sustainable transportation options. The company had previously forecasted a seven to eight percent increase in sales, which it successfully achieved.
Hybrid models also contributed significantly, with 177,593 units sold. The growing preference for eco-friendly vehicles underscores a broader industry trend. Volvo's commitment to electrification is evident in its decision to revise its earlier goal of becoming fully electric by 2030. Instead, the company now aims for between 90 and 100 percent electric vehicles. This strategic adjustment reflects a more realistic approach to achieving sustainability goals while adapting to market dynamics. The company’s shares rose by 1.45 percent on the Stockholm exchange, signaling investor confidence in its direction.
Regional Performance Highlights Mixed Results
While Volvo Cars celebrated overall growth, regional sales figures revealed a mixed bag. Europe emerged as a strong performer, with a 25 percent increase in sales. This success can be attributed to favorable policies supporting electric vehicle adoption and growing consumer awareness of environmental issues. Conversely, sales in China declined by eight percent, likely due to increased competition and changing market conditions. In the United States, sales dipped by three percent, possibly reflecting economic uncertainties and fluctuating consumer preferences.
In December, the company faced a slight setback as sales dropped compared to the same period last year. This temporary dip could be influenced by seasonal factors or end-of-year market adjustments. Despite these challenges, Volvo remains optimistic about its long-term prospects. The company's ability to adapt to regional variations and evolving customer needs positions it well for continued success. By focusing on innovation and sustainability, Volvo is poised to maintain its competitive edge in the global automotive market.