Or perhaps a nod to Linkin Park—who’s to say?
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled two prototype models from its upcoming 0 Series: the Honda 0 Saloon and the Honda0 SUV. 0, yes ZERO. While they are still prototypes, it opens up towards how Honda plans to approach the EV space in the near future. Honda already makes EVs as of now, but the Zero proves to be a starting again point for Honda and their EV endeavors. These vehicles are set to enter production in 2026, marking a significant advancement in Honda’s EV lineup.
Honda 0 Saloon
At a first glance you would think, wait a minute, the wedge front looks like a Murciélago or Gallardo, and yes, yes it does. But the design features of what Honda envisions a “saloon” or “sedan” is truly unique and might take a little getting used to.
The Honda 0 Saloon prototype showcases, a to me, Priuslike design. It is a sleek, low-profile design that combines sporty aesthetics with a surprisingly spacious interior, defying expectations based on its exterior dimensions. This model embodies Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” development philosophy, emphasizing lightweight construction and intelligent technology integration. Notably, the Saloon is equipped with Honda’s proprietary ASIMO OS (yes, the robot!), an original vehicle operating system designed to deliver a personalized mobility experience through advanced AI capabilities.
Additionally, the vehicle features Level 3 automated driving technology, enabling “eyes-off” functionality in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic and highway scenarios. The production model of the Honda 0 Saloon is scheduled to debut in North America in 2026, followed by releases in global markets, including Japan and Europe.
Honda 0 SUV
The Honda 0 SUV prototype represents a mid-size electric SUV that will be the first model in the 0 Series to utilize Honda’s newly developed dedicated EV architecture. Building upon the Space-Hub concept introduced at CES 2024, the 0 SUV also applies the “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach to offer a spacious cabin with exceptional visibility and flexibility.
The interior design reflects Honda’s vision of providing a new value for its future EVs as a “space” for people. The production model of the Honda 0 SUV is also slated for a 2026 launch in North America, with subsequent availability in other global markets. Understandably there will be changes in design for production models.
ASIMO OS and Technological Innovations
Ahh, ASIMO, the lovable robot from our early 2000s childhoods. If you grew up in Malaysia, you might recall seeing ASIMO everywhere in the media, or even textbooks. It’s a nostalgic icon, but what happened to it? Well, ASIMO was officially retired in 2018, but Honda didn’t just toss aside the years of research they poured into their humanoid companion. Instead, they’ve repurposed that knowledge, applying it to autonomous cars and EV systems.
A significant highlight of Honda’s presentation at CES 2025 was the introduction of the ASIMO OS, the company’s original vehicle operating system named after its renowned humanoid robot. This system is designed to provide ultra-personalized optimization, offering a mobility experience tailored to individual users through advanced AI integration.
In fact, the connection makes perfect sense. Autonomous cars are robots, just on wheels. Teslaoften touts how their robot tech shares DNA with their vehicles, and Honda’s approach appears no different. Honda announced a collaboration with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC).
Honda’s EV Strategy and Future Plans
Honda has announced that the 0 Saloon and SUV are set to enter production by 2026. Both vehicles will come equipped with Level 3 automated driving capabilities, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel and even their eyes off the road, depending on conditions.
This is Honda’s promise to redefine mobility with a blend of innovation and practicality. Whether you’re reminiscing about ASIMO or marveling at the futuristic designs, one thing’s for sure, Honda’s 0 lineup isn’t just a start; it’s a statement.
Source: Honda 0
