Honda unveiled prototypes of its next-generation electric model, the Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV, at CES 2025 in Las Vegas last week. The prototypes announced this time are commercial versions of the Honda 0 Series Concept, which Honda unveiled at CES 2024. They are part of Honda’s plan to introduce seven electric vehicle (EV) models by 2030.
Unlike many concept cars that fail to go into production, Honda has committed to bringing both the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV to the global market, which has generated significant excitement in the automotive industry.
A Fusion of Futuristic and Retro Design: The 0 Salooncreating a harmonious look
The Honda 0 Saloon prototype blends futuristic styling with retro elements, creating a unique and harmonious aesthetic. While several design tweaks were made for mass production, the core design of the low, wedge-shaped body from the concept vehicle has been preserved. The gull-wing doors featured in the concept have been replaced with traditional door-opening mechanisms, but the overall design remains strikingly similar to the original.
A sharp front lip on the square-shaped front and the new EV-specific Honda logo illuminate the car, adding to its futuristic appeal. One standout feature is the sliding cover headlamp, which draws inspiration from the now-obsolete pop-up headlights, adding a nostalgic yet modern touch to the design. The side profile features hidden door handles and black high-gloss A and B pillars, giving the appearance of a continuous side window. The rear end features a thick D pillar, a steeply rising rear shape, and an oval tail lamp that further enhances the vehicle’s distinct look.
The 0 SUV: A Crossover with Pixel-Pattern Design
The 0 SUV was also revealed. It was produced based on the Space Hub minivan concept unveiled last year but has been modified to be more crossover-like. It has a sharp-angled windshield and pixel-patterned daytime running lights reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq series. Honda’s new logo is designed to light up inside the panel grille.
The side features a floating effect roof with a two-tone black high-gloss finish, similar to the 0 saloon, as well as an auto-flush type door handle and a thick D pillar. Both models are equipped with digital side mirrors. At the rear, a U-shaped tail lamp is placed. The lamp design extends down in a thin line shape, giving it a futuristic look. In addition, the narrow rear glass meets the thick D pillar, showing a new image.
Innovative Technology and Smart EV Architecture
The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV are built on a newly developed EV-specific architecture, designed with Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” philosophy. This includes lightweight battery packs, advanced smart battery management software, and a target driving range of over 300 miles on a single charge, though exact figures have not yet been confirmed.
The vehicles are equipped with Honda’s ASIMO OS, an advanced operating system named after Honda’s iconic humanoid robot. ASIMO OS manages everything from driver assistance to infotainment and over-the-air (OTA) updates, learning and adjusting to drivers’ preferences over time. The 0 series will also feature cutting-edge processors that oversee Level 3 autonomous driving functions, driver assistance, and climate control.
The production version of the Honda 0 Saloon is slated to launch in the U.S. market in 2026, followed by releases in Japan and Europe. With their innovative design, advanced technology, and impressive range, the 0 Saloon and 0 SUVs are poised to impact the EV market significantly.
