Honda has unveiled the prototype versions of the two electric cars that could be on sale as early as next year.
The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV have been debuted in Las Vegas, with the two models debut 12 months after their 0 Series concepts were revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Due to go on sale from 2026, the Japanese brand 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 Wise’ design philosophy, but while the 0 Saloon is the flagship model, the 0 SUV is aimed at larger families needing extra interior room.
The prototype unveiling comes after it was recently revealed that Honda and Nissan have signed a memorandum of understanding amid a potential merger that would see the two car giants work together to capture the electric vehicle market.
Honda has revealed the prototype versions of its new EVs: The Honda 0 Series will commence with the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV which will arrive in North America in 2026
Shared design across the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV
Both the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will have the new ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ Honda philosophy and ‘man maximum, machine minimum’ cabin design.
The aim is to increase efficiency of both cars’ interior to give driver and passengers as much space as possible without having a model with an enormous footprint.
To accomplish this, Honda will use dedicated ‘thin’ (or low height) EV architecture to improve aerodynamics and passenger comfort.
This will also make the EVs as light as possible to enhance range and performance.
Honda’s announced that it will develop its architecture for both models and future models – combining multiple ECUs responsible for controlling the vehicle systems into a single, core ECU – with Renesas Electronics Corporation and will its in-house developed AI software.
Honda’s ASIMO OS will cover automated driving, advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle infotainment
Honda 0 interiors will use sustainable materials and use AI for the 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 much-loved icon of the robot world through the 2010s.
Today, Honda says it is used for the ‘Wise’ part of Honda’s design and allows Honda to combine robotic technologies with advanced intelligent tech to offer 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 all cars can constantly be updated via over the air (OTA) updates.
Battery size and range is still unknown, but 0 Series models are said to ‘offer stress-free charging performance and worry-free battery performance’.
Aware that fast charging times are of the upmost importance to EV owners, 0 Series models will be able to fast charge 15 per cent to 80 per cent in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Honda has also promised to ‘limit the degradation battery capacity (range) to less than 10 per cent after 10 years of use’.
The flagship 0 Saloon will have a rakish, wedge-shape with a swept-back design and a two-door sporty look and be tailored towards the ‘ultimate joy of driving’
The Saloon will focus on the ‘Wise’ part of the ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ theory and come with Level 3 automated driving technology
Honda 0 Saloon
When the concept was shown at CES 2024, Honda displayed a rakish, wedge-shaped saloon with a swept-back design and a two-door sporty look, tailored towards the ‘ultimate joy of driving’.
And the exact same styling design has been maintained for the prototype version that will come to market in 2026.
This means that drivers will get low height, and much more interior space than the car’s exterior would lead you to believe.
As said the Saloon will focus on the ‘Wise’ part of the ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ theory, with particular emphasis on Level 3 automated driving technology.
The 0 Saloon will be put this automated tech into practical use for the first time.
It’ll use ‘ultra-personal optimisation’ that’ll customize each user’s mobility experience.
The mid-sized SUV will go into production in the first half of 2026
The EV is meant to offer passengers a massive amount of space and flexibility
Honda 0 SUV
The mid-sized SUV is based on the Space-Hub concept Honda showed the world at CES.
While the Saloon is all about being ‘wise’ the SUV is all about Honda’s ‘space’ philosophy.
Honda promises that the ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ approach will give the SUV a spacious cabin that maximises every inch and an ‘outstandingly clear and unrestricted field of view with greater flexibility’.
While Honda hasn’t revealed range or pricing, the SUV, like the Saloon is supposed to offer customers great range and space and advanced EV tech for an ‘affordable’ price
The Space-Hub concept is a boxier compact MPV with a lounge-like interior to maximise space
Autonomous driving (AD) technology
Honda says it will ‘strive to offer 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 eye-off technology (developed in 2021) which initially will help during traffic congestion on highways but will expand in use via OTAs.
The vehicle will be in charge of driving so 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’ symbolising two outstretched hands. It will use this on its future EV models
New Honda logo design and sustainability
Honda has redesigned its logo for the first time since 1981, with the new ‘H’ symbolising two outstretched hands, which the 0 Series will feature.
The 0 Series will also include sustainable materials inside and out and have nods to the natural environment in its design.
When are the 0 Series models coming?
Both the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will begin production in North America in the first half of 2026 and then will roll out across global markets – including Japan and Europe – likely later the same year.
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