Honda made waves at CES in Las Vegas with the debut of two new prototypes, the Honda 0 SUV and the Honda 0 Saloon. These electric vehicles, set to enter production in 2026, represent the next step in Honda’s push into the EV market and are the first to feature the automaker’s in-house-developed Asimo operating system. The prototypes offer a glimpse of what we can expect from Honda’s 0 Series, showcasing innovative designs and advanced technology.

The Honda 0 SUV, inspired by Honda’s Space-Hub concept, has a bold, boxy design. It includes practical touches like a unique rear cargo setup with fold-down tables. Meanwhile, the Honda 0 Saloon, based on the Saloon concept, boasts a sleek, low profile and features modern elements such as retro-inspired headlights and a yoke-style steering wheel that rotates to ease entry. Both vehicles embody Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” philosophy, which emphasizes efficiency and intelligent design.

Inside, the vehicles are equipped with expansive dash-wide screens that replace traditional mirrors with side-camera displays. The interiors remain highly conceptual, but the design hints at a focus on futuristic user experiences. Honda drew comparisons to the styling of the luxury brand Lagonda, and the SUV, in particular, appears closer to a production-ready model.

The standout feature of the 0 Series is the Asimo OS, named after Honda’s iconic humanoid robot. This operating system integrates advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment, and other functions, offering over-the-air updates to enhance performance and features over time. It’s designed for personalization, learning from each user’s habits to create a tailored driving experience.

Asimo OS also enables Level 3 automated driving, which allows hands-free operation in certain conditions, such as heavy traffic, where local laws permit. Drivers can engage in other activities, like watching videos or joining virtual meetings, while the system takes control.

Honda’s approach to automation leverages AI developed with Helm.AI, aiming to improve performance with minimal data and expand the range of driving conditions for automation. This technology builds on Honda’s earlier work with its Sensing Elite system, which introduced Level 3 driving to the Honda Legend in Japan. The ultimate goal is to make roads safer and eliminate traffic fatalities.

The 0 Series also marks a move toward centralized vehicle architecture. Honda is partnering with Renesas Electronics to create a high-performance chip that consolidates multiple electronic control units (ECUs) into a single core unit. This design reduces complexity, improves processing efficiency, and supports the advanced demands of software-defined vehicles.

Charging infrastructure is another focus. Honda is part of a collaborative effort to establish a robust North American charging network, aiming for 30,000 high-quality stations by 2030.

The 0 Series models will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and offer home charging solutions that optimize electricity use and cost. Additionally, Honda plans to enable vehicles to act as virtual power plants, storing renewable energy and feeding it back into the grid when needed.

Honda’s 0 Series represents a bold step toward the future of electric mobility. With innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability, these vehicles are poised to make a lasting impact when they hit the market in 2026.