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Honda has presented prototype versions of the two electric cars that could be on sale next year.
The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV debuted in Las Vegas, with the two models debuting 12 months after their 0 Series concepts were revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show.
The Japanese brand, which will go on sale from 2026, promises that the 0 models will bring next-generation technology, including its ‘ASIMO OS’ autonomous driving features, as well as interior space and sporty styling.
Both cars follow Honda’s “thin, light and smart” design philosophy, but while the 0 Saloon is the flagship model, the 0 SUV is aimed at large families who need extra interior space.
The unveiling of the prototype comes after it was recently revealed that Honda and Nissan signed a memorandum of understanding amid a potential merger that would see the two automotive giants work together to capture the electric vehicle market.
Honda has revealed prototype versions of its new electric vehicles: the Honda 0 Series will start with the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV arriving in North America in 2026.
Shared design in the 0 Saloon and the 0 SUV
Both the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will feature Honda’s new “thin, light and smart” philosophy and a “man maximum, machine minimum” cabin design.
The goal is to increase the efficiency of the interior of both cars to give the driver and passengers the most space possible without having a model that takes up a huge space.
To achieve this, Honda will use a dedicated ‘slim’ (or low-slung) EV architecture to improve aerodynamics and passenger comfort.
This will also make electric vehicles as light as possible to improve range and performance.
Honda announced that it will develop its architecture for both and future models (combining multiple ECUs responsible for controlling vehicle systems into a single central ECU) with Renesas Electronics Corporation and its internally developed artificial intelligence software.
Honda’s ASIMO operating system will cover automated driving, advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle infotainment.
Honda 0 interiors will use sustainable materials and use AI for infotainment systems
Both models, and all future 0 models, will be equipped with Honda’s ASIMO OS technology.
ASIMO was originally developed as a humanoid robot capable of autonomous walking in 2000 and became a beloved icon of the robot world during the 2010s.
Today, Honda says it is used for the “Wise” part of Honda’s design and allows it to combine robotic technologies with advanced smart technology to deliver a unique in-car software platform, “ASIMO OS.”
ASIMO OS will cover automated driving, advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle infotainment.
It will also mean that all cars will be able to be constantly updated via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Battery size and range are still unknown, but the Series 0 models are said to “deliver stress-free charging performance and worry-free battery performance.”
Knowing that fast charging times are of utmost importance to EV owners, Series 0 models will be able to fast charge from 15 to 80 percent in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Honda has also promised to “limit battery capacity (range) degradation to less than 10 percent after 10 years of use.”
The iconic 0 Saloon will have an elegant wedge shape with a rear-swept design and a sporty two-door look and will cater to “ultimate driving pleasure”.
The sedan will focus on the “sage” part of the “thin, light and wise” theory and will come with Level 3 automated driving technology.
Honda 0 Saloon
When the concept was shown at CES 2024, Honda showed off a sleek, wedge-shaped sedan with a swept-back design and a sporty two-door look, designed for “maximum driving pleasure.”
And exactly the same stylistic design has been maintained for the prototype version that will hit the market in 2026.
This means drivers will have low headroom and much more interior space than the car’s exterior might lead you to believe.
As already said, the sedan will focus on the “wise” part of the “thin, light and smart” theory, with a special emphasis on Level 3 automated driving technology.
The 0 Saloon will implement this automated technology for the first time.
It will use ‘ultra-personal optimization’ that will personalize each user’s mobility experience.
The mid-size SUV will enter production in the first half of 2026
The electric vehicle is intended to offer passengers an enormous amount of space and flexibility.
Honda 0 SUV
The mid-size SUV is based on the Space-Hub concept that Honda showed the world at CES.
While the saloon is about being “wise”, the SUV is about Honda’s “spacey” philosophy.
Honda promises that the “thin, light and smart” approach will give the SUV a spacious cabin that maximizes every inch and an “extraordinarily clear, unrestricted field of vision with greater flexibility.”
While Honda has not revealed range or pricing, it is assumed that the SUV, like the Saloon, will offer customers great range and space and advanced EV technology at an “affordable” price.
The Space-Hub concept is a boxier compact MPV with a lounge-style interior to maximize space.
Autonomous driving (AD) technology
Honda says it will “strive to bring affordable automated driving vehicles to more customers around the world through the Honda 0 Series.”
All 0 Series models will be equipped with Level 3 automated driving.
This system will use Honda’s observation technology (developed in 2021), which will initially help during traffic congestion on highways, but will expand its use through OTAs.
The vehicle will be in charge of driving so that humans can perform a ‘second task’ such as watching a movie or joining a meeting.
Honda has redesigned its logo for the first time since 1981, with the new ‘H’ symbolizing two outstretched hands. It will use it in its future electric vehicle models.
New design of the Honda logo and sustainability
Honda has redesigned its logo for the first time since 1981, with the new ‘H’ symbolizing two outstretched hands, which the 0 Series will sport.
The Series 0 will also include sustainable materials inside and out and will nod to the natural environment in its design.
When will the Series 0 models arrive?
Both the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will begin production in North America in the first half of 2026 and will then be launched in global markets, including Japan and Europe, likely later in the same year.
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