Honda shows what future 0 Series EVs will be like

Honda’s next generation 0 Series is due to be launched in 2026 but the automaker is now showing (at CES 2025) what two of its models will look like. These are the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV, and the ‘0’ seems emphasise a totally new start. Both fully electric models are scheduled to be introduced first in the North American market next year, then in global markets, including Japan and Europe.

0 Saloon
The 0 Saloon prototype is an updated version of the concept model shown at CES 2024. While maintaining the exact styling design of the concept model, the latest prototype features both a low height, sporty styling that sets the Saloon apart from other EVs at first glance and an interior space that is more spacious than people would expect based on the exterior dimensions.

The 0 Saloon, as the flagship model of the future 0 Series, will be based on newly developed dedicated EV architecture and will feature a number of next-generation technologies that will embody the ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ development approach of the 0 Series. This includes the highly reliable automated driving technologies backed by the Level 3 automated driving technology.

0 SUV
The 0 SUV is based on the Space-Hub concept shown at CES 2024. It proposes the new value of EVs as a ‘space’ for people that Honda wants to offer with its future EV models. Also applying the ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ approach to this SUV, the interior space was further increased, and a spacious cabin was achieved with an outstandingly clear and unrestricted field of view and great flexibility.

As with the 0 Saloon, the 0 SUV will feature a wide variety of next-generation technologies which are the core of the development approach of the 0 Series. This model will offer the value of an ‘ever-advancing’ space through the ‘ultra-personal optimisation’ and digital UX made possible by the ASIMO OS.

Moreover, the 0 SUV will apply high-precision attitude estimation and stabilisation control based on 3D gyro sensors. This is technology Honda has acquired through the development of its original robotics technologies, enabling dynamics at the will of the driver on various types of road surfaces.

ASIMO OS
Many will remember ASIMO as the little humanoid robot which was developed by Honda 0ver 20 years ago (it came to Malaysia a few times too). With advanced autonomous capabilities, ASIMO was developed as part of Honda fundamental technology research with the aim of helping people while coexisting with people in society.

Honda has chosen the ASIMO name for its original vehicle OS (operating system) which will be the  the core technology to achieve the ‘Wise’ value of the 0 Series. As a software platform, ASIMO OS will apply integrated control of electronic control units for vehicle systems such as automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Level 3 autonomous motoring
With autonomous driving evolving each year, the 0 Series models will enter the market with advanced capabilities in this area. The EVs will have a system that enables the expansion of the range of driving conditions where driver assistance and Level 3 automated driving will be available. This expansion will start with eyes-off technology available in traffic congestion on highways, then will continue through the OTA (over-the-air) updates of the functions.

With Level 3 automated driving, the vehicle will be in charge of driving, which will enable a human driver to perform a second task while moving. This could be watching a movie, having a Zoom meeting or even doing some work. Honda will further advance its technologies and become the first automaker to expand the application of eyes-off functions to all driving situations, opening up new possibilities for mobility.

In addition, Honda will apply its original cooperative AI developed through research into people and mobility to further improve the precision of cooperative behaviour, such as giving the right of way to others on the road (which is difficult even for a human driver). By applying these advanced technologies, Honda will realise a highly-reliable driver assistance system that can respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected situations, such as an animal darting into the lane or an object falling onto the road.

Honda starts from ‘zero’ to develop next-gen EV technologies