Honda Unveils 0 Saloon and 0 SUV Prototypes at CES 2025
Just like it did last year, Honda came to CES in Las Vegas this week to host the world premiere of two prototypes previewing the Japanese automaker’s new 0 Series line of battery-electric vehicles. The first production models will launch in North America next year followed by global markets.
The two vehicles will introduce a brand new operating system, which is also making its debut at CES. It’s called ASIMO OS as a tribute to the beloved humanoid robot that was developed by Honda. Meanwhile, Honda Sensing Elite with artificial intelligence will enable eyes-off Level 3 autonomous driving in a number of scenarios starting with traffic congestion on highways.
- Also: All-Electric 2024 Honda Prologue Revealed With GM Tech
- Also: We Drove an Accord-Based Honda 0 EV Prototype and It Was Fun
Honda 0 SUV Prototype
A production model based on this SUV Prototype—built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio—is scheduled to be introduced in the North American market in the first half of 2026. It’s said to be a midsize SUV, so about the same size as the existing Prologue, but with a completely unique design inspired by the Space-Hub concept from CES 2024. It looks much better up front than in the rear, that’s for sure.
The idea here is to create a spacious cabin with outstanding visibility and flexibility, emphasized by the huge glass roof. In the first row, displays are all over the place, physical controls are basically non-existent, and a yoke-style steering wheel controls the vehicle through steer-by-wire technology. Honda says the adoption of the latter enables integrated control of the by-wire devices, such as steering wheel, suspensions and brakes. Alas, those are all the technical details we have for now.
Of course, the production model will differ in many ways, but the fact that Honda is talking about a “prototype” and not a concept is usually a sign that the design is almost finalized.
Honda 0 Saloon Prototype
An evolution from last year’s Saloon concept, the Saloon Prototype is the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series. It will enter production and go on sale in late 2026.
The lines and surfaces are more sharply defined, but the low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette remains, suggesting sporty handling. Inside, the layout is similar to that of the SUV. The wrap-around seats and floating centre console are particularly noteworthy. Small screens at each end of the dashboard are connected to cameras that replace the side mirrors, but this is unlikely to be the case on the road-going model sold in North America.
By the way, the charging port on both vehicles will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing direct access to compatible charging stations including Tesla’s Superchargers and those of IONNA, an upcoming network being developed by Honda and seven other automakers. The promise is to offer Honda 0 Series owners access to more than 100,000 charging stations by 2030.
ASIMO OS
As mentioned earlier, Honda 0 Series models will be equipped with ASIMO OS, an original vehicle operating system developed in-house by Honda. Engineers are working on technologies that promote “ultra-personal optimization” of the cabin and vehicle in order to offer a mobility experience customized for each individual user.
As a software platform, ASIMO OS will apply integrated management of electronic control units (ECUs) for vehicle systems such as automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ADAS) and in-vehicle infotainment system. Honda claims it will learn and adapt to occupants’ needs and habits, with continuous OTA updates keeping the system fresh.
The production SUV based on the 0 SUV Prototype is expected to be revealed in late 2025. That’s when we’ll learn about power, range and other specs. Stay tuned.
