At the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Honda unveiled the world premiere of its first two models from the new 0 Series of battery electric vehicles: the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes. Production versions of both vehicles will launch in North America in 2026, followed by global markets.
Honda also introduced its original vehicle operating system, ASIMO OS, named in tribute to the iconic ASIMO robot, aligning with the “Wise” value of the 0 Series. The company revealed a partnership with Renesas Electronics to develop a high-performance system-on-chip for the next generation of 0 Series models. Additionally, Honda announced a new Home Energy Management System to offer customers a more sustainable and seamless EV ownership experience.
Honda 0 SUV Prototype: Honda presented the prototype of a mid-size EV SUV, which will be the first Honda 0 Series model to enter production based on the company’s newly developed dedicated EV architecture. Building on the Space-Hub concept model unveiled at CES 2024, the Honda 0 SUV applies the “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach to yield a spacious cabin with outstanding visibility and flexibility. The interior of the SUV prototype illustrates the company’s direction to offer a new value for its future Honda 0 Series EVs as a “space” for people.
As with the Honda 0 Saloon, the Honda 0 SUV will feature a wide variety of next-generation technologies that embody the “Thin, Light and Wise” development approach of the Honda 0 Series. This model will offer the value of an “ever-advancing” space through “ultra-personal optimization” and digital UX made possible by the ASIMO OS. Moreover, the adoption of a steer-by-wire system enables integrated control of the by-wire devices, such as steering wheel, suspensions and brakes, resulting in outstanding handling.
A production model based on the Honda 0 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, then in global markets, including Japan and Europe.
Honda 0 Saloon Prototype: The Honda 0 Saloon, the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series, further advances the concept model introduced last year at CES 2024 and will feature several next-generation technologies that embody the “Thin, Light and Wise” development approach of the Honda 0 Series. While staying true to the bold styling design of the concept model, the prototype features both a low height and sporty “wedge-shaped” styling that sets the Saloon apart from other EVs in the market. The low-slung cabin is complemented by an interior that is more spacious than expected based on the exterior dimensions.
At CES 2025, Honda is previewing specific technologies and features that contribute to the “Wise” value of the Honda 0 models. This includes the highly reliable automated driving technologies backed by Honda’s Level 3 automated driving technology, as well as “ultra-personal optimization” of ASIMO OS that will offer a mobility experience customized for each individual user.
A production model of the Honda 0 Saloon – built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio – is scheduled to be introduced first in the North American market in late 2026, followed by global markets, including Japan and Europe.
ASIMO Operating System (OS): Honda’s ASIMO OS is an original vehicle operating system developed in-house, inspired by the ASIMO humanoid robot introduced in 2000. ASIMO OS will be featured in the Honda 0 Series models, such as the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon. It integrates electronic control units (ECUs) for vehicle systems like automated driving/ADAS and in-vehicle infotainment. The OS allows for continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates, enhancing vehicle functions and services to meet individual user preferences. Honda aims for the 0 Series to become an iconic next-generation EV, similar to ASIMO’s legacy in robotics, providing a personalized driving experience.
Automated Driving (AD) Technology: In 2021, Honda became the first automaker to introduce Level 3 automated driving with the Honda Legend featuring Honda SENSING Elite. This system allows for eyes-off, conditional automation in limited areas, aiming to eliminate traffic collisions that human drivers could avoid. Honda’s goal is to achieve zero traffic fatalities through widespread use of eyes-off technology.
The company uses advanced AI, combining unsupervised learning with behaviour models of experienced drivers, to improve the range of automated driving and driver assistance. Honda 0 Series models will expand the availability of Level 3 driving, starting with highway congestion and further improving via over-the-air (OTA) updates. The goal is to enable drivers to perform secondary tasks while the vehicle oversees driving, with the long-term aim of applying eyes-off functions to all driving situations.
Development of SoC dedicated to Honda 0 Series: Honda has partnered with Renesas Electronics to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for the next-generation Honda 0 Series. The SoC will support a centralized E/E (electrical/electronic) architecture, integrating multiple ECUs into a single core ECU that controls vehicle systems like AD/ADAS, powertrain, and comfort features.
The SoC will deliver high processing performance while minimizing power consumption, using multi-die chiplet technology. The system will combine Renesas’ fifth-generation R-Car X5 SoC with Honda’s AI accelerator, aiming for industry-leading AI performance of 2,000 TOPS (Sparse) with 20 TOPS/W power efficiency.
Energy Service: Honda is developing new energy services for the Honda 0 Series to provide zero environmental impact mobility. The services focus on two key areas: 1) building a charging network for stress-free mobility, and 2) enabling clean, smart living with EV batteries. In North America, Honda is part of a joint venture to create the IONNA charging network, aiming for 30,000 stations by 2030.
By adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS), Honda will ensure access to over 100,000 stations by 2030. A new charging service, using Amazon Web Services (AWS) technology, will provide a personalized experience for drivers. Additionally, Honda will advance its Smart Charge service for home charging, integrating renewable energy and supporting EV adoption.
Starting in 2026, Honda aims to offer virtual power plant (VPP) services, where Honda 0 Series models can manage electricity costs and CO2 emissions through smart charging and grid energy sharing.
Furthermore, when electricity is in short supply, the electricity stored in Honda 0 Series models can be supplied to the power grid, thereby contributing to the stabilization of electricity supply and enabling owners to gain some income from their EVs. Battery degradation, which can be a concern due to repeated charging and discharging, is also minimized through the use of battery management technology Honda has amassed through the development of hybrid-electric vehicles over more than 25 years.