Hybrids have become commonplace in the automotive industry of late, largely because of the significantly higher costs associated with manufacturing a fully electric vehicle from scratch. All the research and money that goes into creating a new car has made most car companies go for the cheaper option, which is converting already existing models into hybrids. A certain car company called Honda is one of the culprits in the hybrid conversion trend. However, just last year, they bestowed on us their first fully electric SUV in the form of the Honda Prologue. Fast forward to this year and Honda has just revealed the concepts for an all-electric saloon and a new SUV.
Honda literally put the zero in ‘zero emissions’ by naming their two new electric vehicle concepts the Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV. These two prototypes were unveiled at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is currently being held at Las Vegas. The prototypes give us a glimpse of what Honda has in store for us with their next-generation 0-series. The Honda 0 Saloon prototype looks strikingly similar to last year’s concept. The 0 SUV prototype is also an evolution of the 2024 Space Hub concept, which was revealed at CES 2024.
Unveiling the Honda 0 Saloon
The Honda 0 Saloon has a sporty outlook when viewed from the front. It looks somewhat like the Lamborghini Gallardo in front, with a roof line that extends all the way to the rear before metamorphosing into a boxy boot. It’s like a sports car in front and a wagon in the rear, a stark and unique contrast. The 0 Saloon is intended to be the flagship model of the 0 Series and its low height and sporty styling intends to set the Saloon apart from other EVs.
The 0 Saloon is expected to come with Level 3 automated driving. This would allow the driver to take their eyes off the road and perform a ‘second task’. This will first be available in heavy traffic or on motorways, but through over-the-air updates, Honda hopes to become the first carmaker to enable eyes-off driving in all situations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to be incorporated to enable its systems to learn how to respond to different scenarios. All of these will be put in place to make autonomous shuttling safer.
Unveiling the Honda 0 SUV
The 0 SUV on the other hand is described as a mid-size EV SUV. It will be the first of the new 0 Series cars when it’s introduced in North America in the first half of 2026, before going on sale in Japan and Europe shortly after. It has a very boxy design and also has the wagon-like rear end. The 0 SUV is set to be built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio and is expected to hit U.S. roads by early 2026. The Saloon concept will follow in late 2026, also being assembled at Honda’s Ohio facility. Honda is still yet to give any indication of price, power or charging speeds for either of the first two 0 Series cars. But considering that they are targeting a launch in early 2026, we should get more details soon.
AI Incorporation into the 0-Series
Honda also announced its next-generation vehicle operating system, dubbed ASIMO OS. The name pays tribute to the humanoid ASIMO robot Honda first revealed in 2000. Developed in-house by Honda, the OS will integrate the management of electronic control units for driver-assistance systems with the infotainment system. As regards charging, the 0-series EVs will feature the NACS-style charge port. Honda is also establishing a charging network called IONNA through a joint venture with seven other automakers . Their target is to set up 30,000 charging stations by 2030.
Ultimately, I look forward to seeing the final look of both the 0 Saloon and SUV post production. A good number of final production vehicles look nothing like their intended wild and bold concept designs. I hope that Honda lives up to the expectations that they have set with the visually appealing concepts so far. We would have to wait until next year to see the outcome. Until then, what are your thoughts on Honda’s O series?
