Honda unveiled near-production prototypes of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Building on the Honda 0 concepts revealed at CES 2024, the automaker confirmed that these prototypes will enter production in 2026 at its new EV Hub in Ohio.
Production and Global Rollout Plans
The Honda 0 SUV will debut first in North America in early 2026, with global sales to follow. The futuristic Honda 0 Saloon will arrive in North America later that year, with worldwide availability soon after. Honda identified Europe and Japan as key global markets but notably excluded China from its announcements.
Distancing from GM and Electric Vehicle Success
Honda continues to move away from its partnership with General Motors in the EV space, despite the success of their collaborative effort, the Honda Prologue. Built using GM’s Ultium platform, the Prologue outperformed GM’s Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV in sales, aided by aggressive leasing deals. The Prologue recorded approximately 33,000 units sold in 2024, surpassing the Blazer EV by 43%.
Honda is now repurposing its Marysville and East Liberty plants in Ohio—previously dedicated to popular models like the Honda Accord and CR-V—to prepare for the production of the Honda 0 Series vehicles.
Key Features and Future Innovations
While detailed specifications for the Honda 0 SUV and Saloon remain under wraps, Honda teased several innovative features. These include lightweight, energy-dense batteries capable of charging from 15% to 80% in just 10–15 minutes and retaining 90% capacity even after 10 years. Both models aim for a range of 300 miles.
A brief test drive of the prototypes revealed sleek designs with low-slung battery packs, compact electric axles, and long wheelbases. The SUV combines practicality and futuristic design, while the Saloon offers a more distinctive, high-end aesthetic with retro elements reminiscent of 1980s supercars.
Advanced Technology and Autonomous Driving
Both models will feature Honda’s new “Asimo OS,” a system named after its famous humanoid robot, managing advanced driver assistance and infotainment features with over-the-air updates. Honda also plans to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, allowing hands-free, eyes-off driving under specific conditions. However, regulatory challenges in the U.S. remain a hurdle for full implementation.
EV Infrastructure and Charging Network
To support its EV lineup, Honda is collaborating with Renesas Electronics on advanced chip technology and is part of a coalition developing the “Ionna” charging network. The network aims to establish 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America by 2030. With native NACS ports, the Honda 0 Series will also have access to 100,000 public charging stations by the same year, complemented by a personalized charging service developed with Amazon Web Services.
Honda’s bold steps into the electric vehicle market signal its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and redefining mobility for the future. The Honda 0 SUV and Saloon are poised to play pivotal roles in the brand’s electrified evolution.
