Honda showcased prototypes of its upcoming 0 Saloon and 0 SUV at CES 2025, marking a significant step towards the production of its next-generation electric vehicles. These vehicles, part of Honda’s new 0 Series, are slated to begin production in Ohio next year. Evolving from the concept cars revealed at CES 2024, these prototypes offer a closer look at what consumers can expect from the production models. Honda’s prototypes typically transition to production with minimal alterations, suggesting these designs are near-final.
Sleek Designs and Advanced Steering
The 0 Saloon prototype retains the distinctive wedge shape of the earlier concept, reminiscent of a 1980s supercar. The 0 SUV, while a departure from the van-like Space-Hub concept, boasts a modern and aerodynamic design with a tapered tail. Honda confirmed the implementation of a steer-by-wire system, similar to that used in the Tesla Cybertruck and Infiniti Q50. This technology eliminates the mechanical link between the steering wheel and tires, potentially enhancing handling through closer integration with electronic systems.
Next-Gen Driver-Assist Technology with Level 3 Autonomy
The 0 Series will feature Level 3 driver-assistance technology, allowing drivers to disengage from driving in certain situations. Initially, this functionality will be limited to highway traffic jams, mirroring Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system. Honda aims to expand the system’s capabilities through over-the-air (OTA) updates. The company is also integrating AI, using unsupervised learning models and driver behavior data to enhance the system’s learning and performance. This includes improving cooperation with other road users, such as yielding appropriately.
Innovative Operating System and Computing Architecture
The 0 Series will utilize a new operating system named Asimo, after Honda’s famed humanoid robot. The Asimo OS will manage the user interface and all vehicle systems and will be fully OTA updatable. Honda is also partnering with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a system-on-chip (SoC) that consolidates multiple control units into a single core unit. This centralized architecture aims to optimize energy consumption for improved range and simplify software management.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure and Home Energy Management
All 0 Series EVs will feature North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, granting access to the Tesla Supercharger network and the upcoming Ionna fast-charging network. Honda projects access to 100,000 public charging stations by 2030. For home charging, the 0 Series will benefit from the ChargeScape joint venture, a platform aiming to enable features like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology by 2026.
North American Production and Global Rollout
The 0 SUV is scheduled for a North American launch in the first half of 2026, followed by the 0 Saloon later that year. These models will subsequently be released in other markets, including Europe and Japan. They are also expected to serve as the foundation for the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela EV, also planned for a 2026 launch. Until then, Honda will continue to offer the GM-based Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX electric SUVs.
