At CES 2025, Honda made waves by premiering the first two prototypes in its 0 Series line of electric vehicles: the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon. These models mark a pivotal moment for the company, as production versions are slated to hit North American markets in 2026, followed by launches in Europe and Japan. Alongside these vehicles, Honda debuted its proprietary ASIMO OS, a cutting-edge operating system that aims to redefine the driving and ownership experience of electric vehicles.
A Bold Vision for Electric Mobility
The Honda 0 SUV and 0 Saloon prototypes embody the company’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” design philosophy, prioritizing efficiency, innovation, and user-centric technology. The Honda 0 SUV, the first in the series to enter production, draws inspiration from the Space-Hub concept unveiled at CES 2024, delivering a spacious, flexible cabin and cutting-edge digital capabilities. Meanwhile, the sleek, wedge-shaped Honda 0 Saloon boasts a low profile and unexpectedly roomy interior, showcasing Honda’s mastery in combining style with practicality.
Both models will feature advanced steer-by-wire systems and next-generation technologies powered by the ASIMO OS, which facilitates ultra-personalized experiences and seamless over-the-air updates for continuous enhancement. Production for both vehicles will take place at Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio, underscoring the automaker’s commitment to North American manufacturing.
Introducing ASIMO OS: A Leap Forward in Automotive Intelligence
Honda’s ASIMO OS, named after the iconic humanoid robot, serves as the nerve center for the 0 Series. The system integrates various vehicle functions, from advanced driver-assistance systems to infotainment, offering a unified and adaptive user experience. Leveraging Honda’s expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence, ASIMO OS learns from user behavior, ensuring an ever-evolving and tailored driving experience.
With over-the-air updates, ASIMO OS enables vehicles to adapt to individual preferences, delivering enhancements in both software-defined driving dynamics and digital user interfaces long after purchase.
Next-Generation Automation
Honda also announced its ambitious plans to expand the scope of Level 3 automated driving. Building on the success of the Honda Legend, the world’s first vehicle equipped with Level 3 “eyes-off” technology, the 0 Series will feature highly advanced driver-assistance systems. These systems combine AI-driven behavior models with real-time environmental recognition, enabling precise responses to complex scenarios, such as avoiding unexpected road hazards.
Honda aims to extend its “eyes-off” capabilities to all driving conditions, a goal it plans to achieve through iterative updates and continued advancements in AI and cooperative driving technologies.
Collaborating on Breakthrough Technology
In a partnership with Renesas Electronics, Honda is developing a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for future 0 Series models. This innovative hardware will consolidate vehicle functions into a single core ECU, dramatically increasing processing power while minimizing energy consumption. Expected to launch in the late 2020s, this technology reflects Honda’s vision for software-defined vehicles that seamlessly integrate intelligence and efficiency.
Energy Innovation and Sustainability
Honda’s new Home Energy Management System (HEMS) promises to revolutionize EV ownership by offering a stress-free and eco-conscious charging experience. Leveraging partnerships with companies like Emporia and ChargeScape, the system enables dynamic, cost-efficient energy management. EVs in the 0 Series can also act as virtual power plants, supplying electricity back to the grid during peak demand and earning income for owners.
Honda’s vision extends to a robust charging infrastructure, with plans to support the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and offer access to over 100,000 charging stations by 2030.
Looking Ahead
With the 0 Series and ASIMO OS, Honda is not just launching new vehicles but laying the groundwork for a paradigm shift in electric mobility. These innovations are a testament to Honda’s dedication to sustainability, intelligent design, and reimagining the relationship between drivers and their vehicles. As the company continues to evolve its electric portfolio, it promises a future where driving is not only more efficient but also more exhilarating and intuitive.