Japanese automaker Honda made a significant appearance at CES in Las Vegas, revealing two electric vehicle (EV) concepts that hint at the company's ambitious battery-powered future. The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV models feature advanced styling and an innovative operating system. One of the most striking features is the comeback of hidden headlights, particularly on the 0 Saloon. This article explores the design elements and potential production plans for these vehicles.
Innovative Lighting Redefines the Front End
The 0 Saloon concept car stands out with its distinctive lighting design, featuring three types of headlights. These lights not only enhance the vehicle's aesthetics but also add a functional touch. The hidden headlamps, which slide open to reveal four LEDs, create a sleek and modern look when closed. This design choice harks back to classic cars while incorporating contemporary technology.
The headlights on the 0 Saloon are more than just a visual statement; they represent a revival of a once-popular trend. When the vehicle is stationary, the front end appears clean and minimalistic. Upon activation, doors on each side of the hood glide upwards, revealing powerful full-beam LEDs. This mechanism adds an element of surprise and sophistication, making the car a conversation piece. The illuminated Honda logo and sleek strip lights further accentuate the vehicle's futuristic appeal. The design draws comparisons to iconic sports cars like the Lamborghini Murcielago, blending retro charm with modern innovation.
A Glimpse into Honda’s Electric Future
Beyond its unique lighting features, the 0 Saloon offers a preview of what Honda envisions for its future EV lineup. The car boasts sharp, angular lines and ample interior space for five passengers. It represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and practical design, setting the stage for Honda's entry into the electric vehicle market.
Honda has announced plans to bring the 0 Series cars into production by 2026, with manufacturing set to take place in the United States. While it remains uncertain whether all concept elements will make it to the final production model, the current prototype showcases a refined and feasible design. The sliding mechanism for the hidden headlamps, in particular, seems more practical compared to the boxy concept version. Fans of the design hope that this feature will be retained in the production model, potentially sparking a new era of hidden headlamp design in the automotive industry. As we await further developments, the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV concepts serve as exciting indicators of Honda's commitment to innovation in electric mobility.
In a remarkable debut, Volvo's entry-level electric SUV, the EX30, has made an unprecedented impact on sales. The vehicle sold nearly 100,000 units globally in its first year, significantly contributing to Volvo's record-breaking sales performance in 2024. With deliveries now underway in the United States, industry analysts predict even greater demand for the EX30 in 2025. Volvo's overall sales surged by 8% last year, with electrified models leading the charge, particularly fully electric vehicles, which saw a 54% increase in sales.
The EX30: A Cornerstone of Volvo's Electrification Strategy
The compact and affordable EX30 has quickly become a cornerstone of Volvo's strategy to dominate the electric vehicle market. Despite being one of the most budget-friendly options in Europe, starting at around $37,000, it retains the brand's renowned safety features, advanced technology, and premium Scandinavian design. The EX30's impressive sales figures, reaching nearly 98,065 units in 2024, solidify its position as a key player in the EV segment.
Launched in December 2023, the EX30 rapidly became the second best-selling EV in Europe by August 2024, just behind Tesla's Model Y. Its success was so immediate that it earned the title of Electrek's EV of the Year for 2024. By September, the 100,000th unit rolled off the assembly line, marking a significant milestone for the company. The EX30's interior boasts a minimalist yet sophisticated design, featuring a 12.3-inch infotainment system with built-in Google services and wireless Apple CarPlay support, ensuring a seamless user experience. This combination of affordability and high-end features has made the EX30 a standout choice for consumers seeking a reliable and stylish electric vehicle.
A Bright Future for Volvo's Electric Lineup
With the introduction of the EX30, Volvo has set the stage for continued growth in the electric vehicle market. The company's global sales reached over 763,300 units in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. Among these, nearly 352,800 were electrified vehicles, including both electric and plug-in hybrid models, representing a 33% increase from 2023. Fully electric cars alone accounted for 175,194 units sold, reflecting a 54% surge in demand.
Looking ahead to 2025, Volvo plans to introduce more variants of the EX30, including a single-motor configuration priced at $36,245 with an estimated range of up to 275 miles. Additionally, the company is expanding its lineup with new models like the three-row EX90 and the premium EM90 minivan in China. These strategic moves are expected to further boost Volvo's market presence and solidify its position as a leader in the electric vehicle sector. As other automakers, such as Hyundai and Kia, also experience breakout years with their EVs, the competition in the electric vehicle market is heating up. However, Volvo's early commitment to electrification positions it well to maintain its momentum and potentially surpass its 2024 achievements in the coming year.
In a significant development, Stellantis has successfully met the UK government’s stringent zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales requirements for 2024. This achievement comes despite the company's decision to close its Vauxhall van-making factory in Luton, which has put 1,100 jobs at risk. The mandate stipulates that manufacturers must sell a certain percentage of electric vehicles, with the target increasing annually. Stellantis achieved this through robust sales of its diverse lineup of electric vehicles, demonstrating both adaptability and market responsiveness. However, the company highlights concerns about the steep increase in ZEV targets and calls for greater consumer incentives to meet future goals.
Meeting the Mandate: A Milestone Achieved
Stellantis has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by achieving the 2024 ZEV mandate through strong sales performance. The company sold nearly 40,000 electric cars in the UK last year, marking a significant 59% increase from 2023. This success underscores the growing popularity of electric vehicles and Stellantis' extensive range across multiple brands. The company's achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging context of closing its Luton factory due to the stringent ZEV requirements.
The mandate requires manufacturers to sell a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year, starting with 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans in 2024. By leveraging its broad portfolio of electric models, Stellantis was able to meet these targets. The company's managing director emphasized the importance of consumer support and retailer efforts in driving this success. However, he also pointed out that the rapid escalation of ZEV targets may not align with current market demand, suggesting a need for more encouragement from the government to foster sustainable growth in the EV sector.
Industry Reaction and Future Implications
The automotive industry and environmental advocates have reacted positively to Stellantis' achievement. Experts argue that the ZEV mandate is proving effective in promoting competition among manufacturers and driving down prices. Stellantis' success demonstrates that the mandate is achievable and has positioned the UK as Europe's leading electric vehicle market. This milestone reflects the broader trend of increasing consumer interest in greener transportation options.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. The ZEV mandate continues to escalate, with targets set to reach 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans by 2030. To ensure continued compliance and avoid potential fines, manufacturers will need ongoing support from policymakers. Government officials have expressed confidence in the industry's ability to meet these targets, citing investments exceeding £2.3 billion in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. They emphasize that this transition will unlock substantial economic benefits and create high-quality jobs. Meanwhile, Stellantis' leadership calls for additional consumer incentives to bridge the gap between policy ambitions and market realities, ensuring a smoother path toward a sustainable future.