When a prototype from Honda graces a stage, it’s almost effortless to envision the production version arriving at dealerships soon. The Honda 0 Saloon prototype, making its debut at CES 2025, will soon blend seamlessly with models like the Accord, Civic, and CR-V—arriving in less than 18 months in near-identical form.
Honda first teased the 0 Saloon concept at last year’s CES, and the 2025 prototype refines several design elements, edging closer to production-ready while retaining the striking wedge-like shape that looks as though it were pulled from a designer’s dream. Set to launch in 2026, the 0 Saloon will be joined by a more mainstream electric SUV and, in time, a version of the Space Hub van concept. These 0 Series vehicles represent Honda’s next generation of fully in-house-developed EVs, based on a new, dedicated EV platform and manufactured at the company’s EV Hub in Ohio.
Pioneering Honda’s Electric Future
Honda will roll out the 0 Series with a midsize electric SUV in the first half of 2026. However, it’s the 0 Saloon that will serve as the electric flagship when it launches later in the year. The concept’s dramatic gullwing doors have been swapped out for four traditional doors, the retractable steering yoke has been eliminated, and two functional headlights have replaced the previous design.
Though some aspects of the prototype may remain in flux, such as retractable headlight covers and the futuristic wheel design, the 0 Saloon also introduces some features that may not make it to the final version. Among these are a steering yoke that rotates 180 degrees automatically when the car powers down, facilitating easier entry and exit, and a lidar sensor positioned prominently on the vehicle—unlike the 0 SUV.
Inside, the 0 Saloon prototype seats four with expansive rear-seat legroom, while five screens stretch across the dashboard from side to side. The outermost screens display feeds from rear-facing side cameras, which may be replaced or complemented with traditional mirrors for the production model.
Impressive Range and Rapid Charging
Honda remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the powertrain, but from a prototype drive in October, it’s clear the company aims for a minimum of 300 miles of range across the 0 Series lineup. The vehicles will feature a 400-volt battery capable of charging from 15 to 80 percent in a claimed 10 to 15 minutes, via a Tesla-designed NACS port. Honda is also exploring ways to streamline road trips by offering personalized charging recommendations through Amazon Web Services’ Bedrock AI.
Ushering in the Software-Defined Era
Like the 0 SUV, the 0 Saloon will demonstrate Honda’s ambitions in next-gen software. The automaker promises Level 3 automated driving capabilities for the 0 Series, though this feature will roll out cautiously. Initially, Level 3 autonomy will be limited to highway traffic assistance at low speeds on select roads, with broader functionality to be introduced over time.
Additionally, the 0 Series will incorporate steer-by-wire technology, similar to that of the Tesla Cybertruck, and a robust computing platform that will enable over-the-air updates, akin to those introduced by Tesla and Rivian. Honda’s custom-designed ASIMO OS and system-on-chip, developed in partnership with Renesas, will centralize many of the car’s functions, such as driver assistance, powertrain control, and convenience features, into a single unit, allowing for easy software upgrades remotely.
A Bold New Chapter for Honda’s EV Vision
The 0 Series signifies a major shift in Honda’s EV strategy, moving away from its current reliance on GM’s Ultium platform for the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue. The upcoming 0 Saloon, 0 SUV, and the eventual Space Hub van prove that Honda is not only serious about EVs but also about modernizing its entire computing and electrical infrastructure to compete with industry leaders. With its striking design, the 0 Saloon positions Honda as a key player in the next wave of automotive innovation.
