Japanese business publication Nikkei has reported that Honda will introduce a sub-$30,000 car in the U.S. as early as 2026. The article, which was published on January 28, 2025, claimed that the entry-level car would be built in America, likely at Honda’s new EV manufacturing hub located in Ohio.
While Honda confirmed that it is plotting an entry-level EV as part of the “0 Series” family, it said that it hadn’t decided whether to sell it in the U.S. Here are the six must-have features, according to us, that Honda’s entry-level EV needs to succeed in the U.S. market.
1. Crossover Body Style
Honda is adopting the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development philosophy for its 0 Series EVs, with ‘Thin’ also referring to “excellent aerodynamic performance.” However, Americans love their crossover EVs with robust and chunky designs.
While it’s reasonable to expect the shape of the entry-level EV to be streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency, it needs to have all the attributes of a crossover to appeal to a wide range of buyers. In 2024, the Tesla Model 3 was the only sedan among the top 10 best-selling EVs, a list otherwise dominated by crossovers and trucks.
2. 250 Miles Of Range
While Honda has said that the 0 Series EVs would be “targeting a sufficient range while minimizing the battery capacity,” it is imperative that it offers at least 250 miles of range in the EPA test cycle, which would be competitive for 2026.
While Honda’s base model could serve as an ideal second vehicle for many American households, limited charging infrastructure could bring up the concern of range anxiety for some drivers when considering it over a gas car like the HR-V.
3. Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
While Honda has confirmed the new ‘ASIMO OS’ as the software platform for its 0 Series EVs, it should continue offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air (OTA) updates in its entry-level electric car as an option. These two ubiquitous features will help the car stay familiar to drivers who are switching from other models.
4. 150-200 kW DC Fast Charging
While Honda has said that fast-charging 15% to 80% in 0 Series EVs “will be shortened to about 10-15 minutes,” it is unclear whether the entry-level model, which is expected to prioritize affordability, will offer this capability.
Regardless, Honda engineers should design the EV to have 150-200 kW of DC fast-charging capability. Given the smaller battery capacity, the entry-level Honda EV would take about 25 minutes to go from 20% to 80% SoC with this specification. This would improve convenience, particularly during long-distance travel. For home charging, an 11 kW AC wallbox should fully recharge the battery overnight, ensuring the vehicle is ready for daily use.
5. 200 hp with optional AWD
To keep the price under USD 30,000, Honda would have to plan the entry-level EV with a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration. We expect the basic EX trim level to generate at least 200 hp, which would give it the required usability on the highways.
Offering optional all-wheel drive (AWD) would make Honda’s affordable EV more appealing, especially in snowbelt states and regions with rough terrain. Many Bolt EUV owners have criticized the lack of AWD, as it limits traction in winter.
Most budget EVs like the Kona EV and Leaf are front-wheel drive only, so a dual-motor AWD option with around 250 hp would improve stability, acceleration, and confidence in slippery conditions.
6. Heat Pump
A heat pump is a must for Honda’s sub-$30K electric car, addressing a major complaint from entry-level EV owners, which is severe winter range loss. The Bolt, for example, lacking a heat pump, relied on an inefficient resistive heater, causing 25-40% range drops in cold weather. Its 259-mile EPA range felt like just 150 miles for many owners in freezing conditions.
A heat pump, already standard in many modern EVs, manages cabin and battery heating, improving winter performance and energy efficiency. It would make its EV more competitive and practical in northern U.S. markets and in Canada.
Featured image: Honda Prologue
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
