New Honda 0 Series SUV Prototype teased

Honda has released a fresh teaser of the two EVs it will unveil at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 7.

Describing both vehicles as ‘prototypes’ rather than concepts, the car on the left is instantly recognisable as the Honda 0 Series that was unwrapped at last year’s event.

Back then the 0 Series Saloon stunned with its radical wedge-shaped silhouette and advanced new tech.

It’s thought the new prototype will edge the battery-powered sedan closer to the finished item that’s due in 2026 and it’s reassuring it keeps its striking LED tail-lamp and illuminated Honda badging, as well as the diffuser-mounted brake light.

The vehicle parked on the right, meanwhile, looks like an all-new SUV big enough for three rows of seating. If so, expect the big Honda EV to rival the likes of the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and the Kia EV9.

Featuring more conventional styling compared to its sedan sibling, the SUV gets a large U-shaped LED tail-light and a pair of lower lamps embedded within the rear bumper.

It’s expected the new 0 Series SUV will share the new 0 Series Saloon’s all-new dedicated EV architecture that will incorporate a raft of sustainably sourced materials within its construction.

It’s not known of the prototypes will keep the original concept’s slimline steering yoke that heralds the firm’s new steer-by-wire tech.

Other innovations that might be rolled out on both prototypes include posture control adaptive seating, plus AI-based driver aids and active safety features.

AI-based connected services will also be included.

Powertrain details are thing on the ground beyond a 480km range for the base system, so it’s hoped Honda will reveal more at CES.

The 0 Series should also come with an 800-volt electrical infrastructure that will provide for ultra-fast DC charging (15-80 per cent in 10-15 minutes).

Finally, the next-gen batteries fitted to the 0 Series will degrade far slower than current powerpacks, with the sedan and SUV only suffering battery degradation of less than one per cent per annum.

With thinner floors and a shallower battery pack, Honda claims class-best space within for all its 0 Series models.

Saving weight, Honda says employing Formula 1 know-how has helped it create a lightweight architecture that is thinner and lighter than current EVs, promising the 0 Series models to be up to 100kg lighter than equivalent models.

Cutting further kilos, Honda will employ a Tesla-style mega casting machine that slashes the total number of parts for the battery casing and other underbody panels from 60 to just five.

With less weight, Honda says its new 0 Series models will deliver on the brand’s ‘joy of driving’ commitment.

The production versions of the Honda 0 Series models will be released in North America in 2026 before launching in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America.

According to Honda, a third unseen mid-size SUV will also debut in 2026 that looks closely related to the large SUV teased.

Australian plans aren’t clear at this stage, but a local release is on the cards given?right-hand drive production has already been confirmed.

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