Honda 0 electric saloon and SUV to debut next year

Honda has shown off the latest developments of its Saloon and SUV prototype 0 electric models at CES 2025. The Japanese firm says final versions will debut on global markets next year, beginning with USA and then selling in Japan and Europe. 

Honda 0 Saloon

The original 0 Saloon concept debuted at CES a year ago. For 2025, it retains the same styling, with a low height, sporty silhouette and generous interior space. 

Underneath is newly-developed EV architecture featuring the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development philosophy (thin battery, light weight, advanced software).

Honda is introducing Level 3 automated driving technologies in the 0 Saloon, along with “ultra-personal optimization”, a mobility experience customised to each user.

Honda 0 SUV

As for the Honda 0 SUV, this is an evolution of the Space-Hub concept model unveiled at CES 2024. It will go into production as a medium electric SUV, the first Honda 0 Series model. A unique feature is a spacious and flexible cabin with an unobstructed field of view. Quite how that works with chunky D pillars and a small glasshouse is hard to imagine.

The Honda 0 SUV will feature next-generation technologies that optimise space and functionality for each user. It will also debut high-precision stabilisation control based on 3D gyro sensors, developed from Honda’s robotic programme. This system optimises dynamics on various types of road surfaces. The electric SUV will go on sale in the first half of next year, initially in America and then in other global markets. 

ASIMO OS

Honda 0 Series models are equipped with the ASIMO operating system. ASIMO is a humanoid robot capable of autonomous walking. It debuted in 2000 and became a robotic icon in the new millennium.

Honda called its new automotive operating system ASIMO OS, in the hope that the Honda 0 Series will be an icon amongst next-generation EVs. 

ASIMO OS software will apply integrated control of ECUs for vehicle systems such as automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ADAS) and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system.

By constantly updating the in-vehicle software over the air, functions and services will continuously advance, especially those that ensure an enjoyable and comfortable mobility experience. And specifically those that make the driver feel at one with the vehicle.

Honda will install ASIMO OS to all production 0 Series models.

Automated driving 

Automated driving technology based on the Honda SENSING Elite system aims for zero traffic collision fatalities in the future. This too will end up in Honda 0 Series vehicles. It will involve Honda AI technology both for automated driving and driver aids.

Honda hopes to offer a highly-reliable driver assistance system that can respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected situations. And the aim is for Level 3 automated driving eventually. That leaves the car in control of itself while the driver can perform other tasks.

Energy Service

Honda is also involved in building a charging network for its 0 Series users in collaboration with eight automakers (IONNA charging network). It aims for 30,000 high-quality charging stations by 2030. In total, Honda 0 Series owners should have access to more than 100,000 charging stations by then. The company is also working to simplify payment for charging and identification of stations. 

In the home, Honda 0 Series models will charge themselves by selecting times of the day when electricity costs are low and renewable energy can be utilized. The vehicles will also be able to discharge the battery electricity to the house or grid when electricity costs are high or supply is low.