Radical EVs: Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV
Honda 0 Saloon
Production-ready is how Honda’s concept models may safely be described. Accordingly, the Honda 0 Saloon prototype was developed in preparation for its 2026 market launch. The prototype retains the exact design of the concept model, with both the low height and sporty styling distinguishing the Saloon from other electric cars. According to Honda, the interior is more spacious than people expect based on the exterior dimensions.
The Honda 0 Saloon, the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series, will be based on the newly developed special EV architecture. The car is developed according to the “Thin, Light and Wise” philosophy.
At CES 2025, Honda is focusing on introducing certain technologies and features that contribute to the “Wise” value of the Honda 0 Saloon. This includes the reliable Level 3 automated driving technology, which Honda is the first in the world to put into practice, and “highly personalized optimization” that provides a customized mobility experience for each individual user, enabled by ASIMO OS. More on that later.
The plan is to introduce the production model of the Honda 0 Saloon first to the North American market in 2026 and then to markets around the world, including Japan and Europe.
Honda 0 SUV
The Honda 0 SUV concerns a mid-size electric SUV. By applying the “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach to an SUV, interior space has been further increased and a spacious cabin has been achieved. In addition to the wide variety of technologies, the Honda 0 SUV will employ high-precision orientation estimation and stabilization control. This will be based on 3D gyro sensors, technology with which Honda has gained experience through the development of its original robotic technologies, to provide the driver with dynamics as desired on different road surfaces.
It is scheduled to introduce the production model of the Honda 0 SUV first in the North American market in the first half of 2026 and then in markets around the world, including Japan and Europe.
Honda ASIMO OS: a new operating system
Honda 0 Series models will be equipped with ASIMO OS, an original vehicle control system developed by Honda. ASIMO was an autonomously running humanoid robot developed as part of basic technological research by Honda with the aim of helping people without disrupting society. Honda began robotics research and development in 1986 and introduced ASIMO in 2000. In the 2000s and 2010s, it was an icon in the field of robotics and loved by people around the world.
Even after the development of ASIMO was completed, Honda continued to further develop its robotics technologies, including technologies for recognizing external environments and technologies for autonomous behavioral control, allowing ASIMO to understand the intentions of people around it. By combining such robotic technologies with advanced intelligence technologies for the Honda 0 Series, the company aims to provide unique added value for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
The ASIMO OS software platform integrates the control of electronic control units (ECUs) for vehicle systems such as automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ADAS) and the in-car infotainment system (IVI).
Over-the-air updates
By constantly updating the software in the vehicle via OTA (over-the-air) updates, even after purchasing the vehicle, the features and services are continuously improved based on each user’s preferences and needs. The features and services that are continuously updated include features that improve the value of “space” and the digital user experience, by providing an enjoyable and comfortable mobility experience. Also unique to Honda is the integrated control of dynamics, which determines driving enjoyment. This makes the driver feel at one with the vehicle.
