CES 2025: Honda 0 Series SUV and 0 Saloon prototypes arrive

Honda’s next-generation 0 Series family of EVs have inched closer to reality following the reveal of a close-to-production 2026 Honda 0 SUV and 2026 Honda 0 Saloon at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, ahead of their launch next year.

The new Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon are just two of the seven 0 Series models Honda plans to introduce in coming years, with the 0 SUV to launch first in North America in the first half of 2026 before both cars will be introduced in Europe and other markets later. The 0 Saloon will land later the same year.

Evolved from the Space Hub concept it revealed at the 2024 CES, the new 0 SUV is a mid-size SUV designed to fight the Tesla Model Y.

Fractionally less daring in the looks department, compared to the Space Hub the 0 SUV keeps the previous concept’s squared-off looks and boxy rear styling that maximises space within.

Honda has yet to reveal firm technical details about either the 0 SUV or the 0 Saloon but both EVs are based on the same next-generation dedicated all-electric architecture and will feature the Japanese car-maker’s future powertrain technology.

Both cars have been developed to be “thin, light and wise”, with the SUV and Saloon set to be lighter than rivals thanks to new battery packs that are around 8mm thinner than competitor equivalents, helping to deliver a lower kerb weight.

Ensuring it tips the scale at around 100kg less than a Model S or Model Y, the new Hondas will both benefit from body panels that have been pressed using megacasting that reduces the number of parts, complexity and weight of each car.

The smoother design – especially of the 0 Saloon – will improve efficiency, while the fact the Model S sedan sits much lower to the ground should see it deliver some of the most engaging handling in its EV class.

Offered with either single- or dual-motor powertrains, Honda engineers have devised a new compact e-axle motor that sits lower in the car for a lower centre of gravity and more cabin space.

Entry versions will produce around 180kW, while the fastest version will push out around 359kW.

From launch, the 0 Saloon will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with a capacity said to be around 80-90kWh, providing a range of around 480km.

Later on, a larger 100kWh battery will be introduced that should cover around 600km on a single charge.

Ensuring it has the smarts to compete with the best in its class, the O Series range of EVs will come with a new software operating system called Asimo OS – a refence to the pioneering robotics Honda has produced since 1986.

Thanks to Asimo OS, the new Honda should feature advanced autonomous driving aids and a slick and responsive infotainment system that will be capable of over-the-air updates.

New chassis tech includes powerful new 3D gyro sensors that were originally created for robots but have been reinvented for cars. They use the motors, dampers, regen and real braking to reduce body roll, pitch and dive under braking, while delivering a cossetting ride.

Eventually, Honda has promised the 0 Series models will be capable of level three autonomous driving, allowing the driver to watch movies or read a book or newspaper in certain geofenced areas.

Landing in North America first in 2026, it’s been tipped that the Honda 0 SUV will be available in right-hand drive before the end of next year, opening the door for its debut Down Under.

Once the 0 SUV is launched a larger seven-seat SUV will follow in 2027 alongside a compact and small SUV.

By 2030 the Japanese car-maker says it is also committed to roll out a compact sedan to rival the Tesla Model 3.

As well as the two all-new EVs, Honda used the CES show to announce it has partnered with Renesas to develop new high-performance microchip that will be rolled out before the end of this decade.

The new hardware is said to allow for substantially faster and more advanced processing power than current tech, with only a minimal increase in power consumption.

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