Honda is inching closer to a production version of its 0-series electric vehicles (EV) with the unveiling of the Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototype at CES 2025, both of which the Japanese carmaker is hoping to implement Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities in.
The goal is to launch production versions of both models in North America in 2026, with the 0 SUV the first in H1 2026, followed by the 0 Saloon in the second half. Both models will be built at its Ohio plant.
Aerodynamic efficiency is the key takeaway here as even the SUV has an extremely raked windshield and low roofline. The front end has a black panel with pixelated headlights and sits above a vent for battery cooling. At the rear, there’s a tiny windshield reminiscent of the second-generation Honda Insight, and is finished with a U-shaped taillight wrapped around it.
The Saloon incorporates a wedged-shaped, cab-forward design and is equally low-slung. There’s the same ovoid lighting signature seen on the concept from last year.
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Both interiors are fairly similar with a screen galore. Apart from the digital instrument cluster, you’ll also find a central touchscreen, a dedicated display for the front passenger and two peripheral screens for the side-view cameras though we don’t expect the last one to make the production version. Physical controls are limited to stalks behind the drive-by-wire steering.
No specific powertrain details have been divulged, but there should be a rear- and all-wheel drive setup with Honda’s 241 hp and 67 hp motors. As for the battery, the carmaker mentioned a thin lithium-ion battery with an approximate range of 480 km.
The main goal of the 0-series is the Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities that allows true “eyes off” operations. This leaves the driver free to join a video call or handle other activities while the car handles the driving. One of the main hurdles with Level 3 autonomous driving isn’t actually the technology, but legislation that hinders use of the tech on the road.
Honda will be implementing artificial intelligence into its Level 3 tech and has partnered with autonomous driving tech company Helm.ai. The software will be paired with behaviour models of experienced drivers that allows it to better adapt to various driving situations.
Together with the two concepts, Honda also announced its next-generation vehicle operating system, the ASIMO OS. A clear tribute to its humanoid robot, the OS is will combine the management of electronic control units for driver-assistance systems within the infotainment.
Honda has also entered into an agreement with semiconductor manufacturer Renesas to develop a high-performance chip for the 0-series. The chip will handle various functions that would otherwise each have its own dedicated ECU.
