Honda Unveils 0 Series EVs with Advanced AI and Level 3 Automation at CES 2025

Honda's EV Revolution: 0 Saloon, 0 SUV & ASIMO OS Debut at CES 2025

The Honda 0 Series is poised to transform the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its groundbreaking design, advanced technology, and innovative automation. Unveiled at the highly anticipated CES 2025, the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV prototypes showcase Honda's unwavering commitment to creating EVs that not only prioritize environmental sustainability but also push the boundaries of technological innovation. These vehicles, built on Honda's new dedicated EV architecture, embody the company's "Thin, Light, and Wise" development philosophy, offering a unique combination of sleek styling, spacious interiors, and next-generation features that set them apart from the competition. The Honda 0 Series represents a significant milestone in the company's journey towards electrification, as it aims to redefine the way people perceive and interact with EVs. By leveraging innovative technologies and incorporating advanced materials, Honda has created vehicles that are not only efficient and environmentally friendly but also deliver an unparalleled driving experience. The Honda 0 Saloon, with its low height and sporty styling, offers a dynamic and engaging ride, while the Honda 0 SUV provides a spacious and versatile interior, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. ASIMO OS: The Brain Behind the Honda 0 Series At the heart of the Honda 0 Series lies the ASIMO OS, Honda's proprietary vehicle operating system. Drawing inspiration from the company's iconic humanoid robot, ASIMO, this groundbreaking OS seamlessly integrates advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to deliver a personalized and intuitive driving experience. The ASIMO OS serves as the central hub for the vehicle's various functions, allowing features such as Level 3 automated driving, ultra-personal optimization, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring that the vehicle continuously evolves to meet the changing needs and preferences of its users. The development of the ASIMO OS marks a significant leap forward in automotive technology, as it transforms the Honda 0 Series into a software-defined vehicle (SDV). By leveraging the power of software and AI, Honda has created a vehicle that can adapt and improve over time, offering an unparalleled level of customization and convenience. The ASIMO OS's advanced AI algorithms analyze driver behavior, preferences, and environmental factors to optimize the vehicle's performance, safety, and comfort, creating a truly personalized driving experience. Pricing and Availability The Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV are scheduled for a market launch in 2026, with initial rollouts planned for North America, followed by expansions to global markets, including Japan and Europe. While specific pricing details have not yet been disclosed, Honda has emphasized its commitment to making these advanced EVs accessible to a wide range of consumers. By focusing on affordability without compromising on innovative technology and performance, the Honda 0 Series is well-positioned to attract a diverse customer base, from tech-savvy early adopters to environmentally conscious families. As the launch date approaches, automotive enthusiasts and industry experts eagerly await further information regarding the Honda 0 Series' pricing structure and trim levels. Honda's reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable vehicles at competitive price points has raised expectations for the affordability of these groundbreaking EVs. The company's ability to strike a balance between advanced features and accessible pricing will be a key factor in determining the success of the Honda 0 Series in an increasingly crowded EV market. Expanding Possibilities with Level 3 Automation One of the most remarkable features of the Honda 0 Series is its Level 3 automated driving technology, which allows for "eyes-off" driving under certain conditions. This groundbreaking capability enables drivers to safely engage in secondary tasks, such as watching a movie or participating in a virtual meeting, while the vehicle assumes control of the driving functions. Honda's unwavering commitment to safety and innovation ensures that this technology will be both reliable and user-friendly, paving the way for a future where mobility is more convenient, enjoyable, and productive than ever before. The integration of Level 3 automation in the Honda 0 Series represents a significant step forward in the evolution of autonomous driving technology. By leveraging advanced sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms, the vehicle can accurately perceive its surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and make split-second decisions to ensure the safety of its occupants and other road users. This level of automation not only enhances the driving experience but also has the potential to reduce accidents caused by human error, ultimately contributing to safer roads for everyone. Specifications Summary For readers captivated by the groundbreaking features of the Honda 0 Series, there are several other areas of interest that warrant further exploration. One such area is the rapid advancements in EV battery technology, which play a crucial role in determining the range, performance, and overall viability of electric vehicles. As battery technology continues to evolve, with improvements in energy density, charging speeds, and lifecycle, EVs like the Honda 0 Series will become increasingly attractive to consumers seeking eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation options. Another fascinating topic is the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which represent a paradigm shift in the automotive industry. SDVs, like the Honda 0 Series, rely heavily on software and AI to enable advanced features, personalization, and continuous improvements through over-the-air updates. As vehicles become more connected and data-driven, the role of software in the automotive sector will continue to grow, leading to new opportunities for innovation and collaboration between automakers and technology companies. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in automotive safety systems is another area of significant interest. AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from sensors and cameras to identify potential hazards, predict driver behavior, and make split-second decisions to prevent accidents. The Honda 0 Series, with its advanced Level 3 automation and ASIMO OS, showcases the immense potential of AI in enhancing vehicle safety and creating a more intuitive and responsive driving experience. Lastly, Honda's collaboration with Renesas Electronics Corporation on the development of high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) technology highlights the growing importance of semiconductor innovation in the automotive industry. As vehicles become more reliant on advanced computing and AI processing, the development of powerful, energy-efficient SoCs will be critical to allowing the next generation of smart, connected, and autonomous vehicles. These areas of interest offer a glimpse into the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where innovative technologies and innovative partnerships are driving the development of safer, more efficient, and more intelligent vehicles. As the Honda 0 Series prepares to make its mark on the EV market, it is clear that the future of mobility is not only electric but also deeply intertwined with advancements in software, AI, and semiconductor technology.

Honda's Gorgeous 0 Series EVs Begin Production Next Year

Honda reintroduces its 0 Series electric vehicles at CES 2025, announcing the new ASIMO operating system and plans to begin production in 2026. Honda's 0 (Zero) series of electric vehicles returns to CES this year, graduating from concept to prototype and powered by new technology with a familiar name. The wedge-shaped 0 Saloon and 0 SUV are now powered by the automaker's new ASIMO operating system, but the biggest news is that we know that they'll be hitting the road (more or less as you see here) as early as next year. The ASIMO OS that powered both vehicles is named after Honda's ASIMO humanoid robot, paying homage to the robotics research that helped birth today's autonomous car tech. ASIMO OS will tie into all aspects of the vehicle, from the personalized user experience in the dashboard to tight integration with systems affecting performance, charging and more. The 0 SUV is the biggest departure from the Space-Hub concept that we saw last year. The SUV is shaped more like, well, a traditional small SUV, which I reckon is much more desirable than the van-shaped "mobility vehicle" from before. The automaker hasn't formalized range or performance numbers, but did announce that it plans to begin production of the electric 0 SUV at its Ohio assembly plant in early 2026. Aside from its new white paint, the 0 Saloon looks nearly identical to the blacked-out, wedgy concept that debuted last year, which is insane when you consider that this is a production prototype. Open the doors and you'll see that the concept's gull wings have been replaced by traditional doors with a horizontal swing, which I reckon are easier to manufacture and more like what you'd see on the production car when it joins the 0 SUV on the Ohio assembly line in late 2026. The flagship certainly looks like a super car -- especially with its Lamborghini Gallardo-inspired lines -- but this year the automaker is doubling down its focus on delivering eyes-free driver assistance with its 0 production EVs, adding a tech-flavored luxury bend to its sales pitch. Both EVs will feature drive-by-wire steering which lays the groundwork for near and far-future autonomous driving technologies and cool features like the retractable steering wheel, while also paving the way for other "by-wire" systems like brakes and suspension. Honda predicts that controlling more aspects of the EV's operation with software will open more precise control and more customizable performance. To power all of this tech, the automaker is developing its own high-performance silicon in partnership with Renesas Electronics and partnering with Helm.ai to integrate its learning and behavior modeling technologies to drive more natural and safe autonomous driving. It remains to be seen if the 0 EVs will arrive with Level 3 autonomy unlocked, but Honda is certain that it will be able to add and improve the functionality post-launch via over-the-air updates. The 0 EVs will arrive ready for the future of energy thanks to their NACS charging ports. Honda says it's also working to help build infrastructure for charging. Honda will continue to invest in the growing IONNA charging network in partnership with seven other automakers, reaffirming the goal of adding at least 30,000 fast charging points along North American roads by 2030. The new EVs should also eventually gain access to the Tesla charging network, as well. Perhaps more interestingly, the 0 EVs will also support the next generation of the automaker's Honda Smart Charge home charging program, adjusting when plugged to draw energy when most efficient and cost effective and automatically switching to bidirectionally discharge to help reduce home energy costs or mitigate black or brown outs. Honda sees these cars evolving into virtual power stations that eventually integrate their artificial intelligence smarts to help each 0 Series EV develop its own "personal charging plan" built around the specific needs of its owner. Honda hasn't announced pricing, concrete performance and range numbers or specific availability for the 0 EVs, but with production just one year away, we expect the details to start coming fast and furiously over the next few months.

Honda unveils 0 Series and one looks like a Lambo gone electric

Honda unveiled the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV prototypes at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), confirming that both models will enter production in 2026 at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. The Honda 0 SUV prototype is a mid-size electric vehicle (EV) that implements a dedicated EV architecture. It follows the Space-Hub concept model unveiled at CES 2024 and utilizes a "Thin, Light, and Wise" design strategy, creating a spacious cabin with remarkable visibility. This model showcases the direction Honda intends to take its future EVs, emphasizing "ultra-personal optimization" and a digital user experience powered by the newly developed ASIMO operating system (OS). Honda also presented the Honda 0 Saloon, the flagship of the 0 Series, which retains a sporty "wedge-shaped" form while providing unexpected interior space relative to its dimensions. Both vehicles will feature advanced technologies integral to the 0 Series, including automated driving with Level 3 capabilities, which allows for hands-free driving in designated conditions. Nissan-Honda merger buzz sends Renault stocks climbing 5% The ASIMO OS, named after Honda's famous humanoid robot, will enhance the driving experience by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and automated driving technologies. This OS will enable ongoing software updates via over the air (OTA) mechanisms to tailor the vehicle functionality to individual user preferences. Honda aims to expand its automated driving capabilities, building on its pioneering implementation of Level 3 driving technology with the Honda Legend in 2021. Honda believes that implementing eyes-off technology will help reduce traffic collisions, enhancing road safety for all users. Additionally, Honda and Renesas Electronics Corporation have partnered to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for the next-generation 0 Series models, scheduled for release in the late 2020s. This SoC will facilitate a centralized electrical and electronic architecture that maximizes performance and efficiency. In conjunction with the 0 Series launch, Honda is launching an extensive charging network through a collaboration with several automakers, known as IONNA, which aims to establish a minimum of 30,000 charging stations by 2030 in North America. Honda intends to adopt the North American Charging Standard for all Honda 0 Series models, aiming to provide customers access to over 100,000 charging stations by the same year. Honda also announced it will implement new energy services facilitated by a Home Energy Management System, combining renewable energy to reduce both electricity costs and carbon emissions. This initiative will allow Honda 0 Series vehicles to function as virtual power plants, helping to manage electricity usage and provide backup energy during shortages. The production version of the Honda 0 SUV is expected to launch in the North American market in the first half of 2026, followed by the Honda 0 Saloon later that year, with subsequent global market releases to follow.

Honda's new Series 0 prototypes suggest it's back on exciting and pioneering EV form

Asimo operating system will bring advanced levels of automated driving Fear not faithful reader, you are not suffering from chronic CES déjà vu. Because, yes, Honda has already revealed its plans for the upcoming 0 Series electric vehicle range, showcasing what it called the Saloon and the Space-Hub at last year's show... complete with eerily similar concept cars. But the Japanese marque says that things are moving on at pace and it has reaffirmed its commitment to the futuristic and gloriously wedge-like shapes with the unveiling of its 0 SUV and 0 Saloon prototype models at this years Las Vegas-based tech-fest. While the Saloon looks a lot like last year's concept, albeit with a flashy new paint job and tweaked headlight design, the 0 SUV arguably gives us our best look at what this upcoming line of forward-thinking EVs will look like. Gone is the boxy, almost MPV body shape of last year's concept, as we are introduced to a more traditional-looking SUV front end, complete with a sweeping, almost estate or shooting brake-esque rear. The Japanese marque claims the 0 SUV will arrive in North American markets in early 2026, with the low and long Saloon model following shortly after. Global markets, including Japan and Europe, are also touted to receive both vehicles. Honda previously hinted at its "Thin, Light and Wise" philosophy, which it hopes will reduce the size and weight of battery packs to ensure a line-up of lighter, more elegant and more efficient electric vehicles. Although it didn't go so far as to reveal battery specs, Honda instead honed in on the 'Wise' element of the aforementioned mantra at this year's show, revealing that it has developed an in-house operating system (Asimo OS) that it says will allow for Level 3 'eyes-off' automated driving. Those with long enough memories will recall Asimo, the cute little robot that was often found kicking a ball or falling down stairs. Well, Honda says it has borrowed bits of Asimo's brain in order to develop the latest OS. The company claims that advances in its robotics technology, including developments in systems that recognize external environments and human behavior, will equip its future vehicles with genuinely useful AI technology that can predict what a driver wants and create more reliable driver assistance systems. Although Honda has yet to confirm any technical detail of its upcoming 0 Series, which will encompass seven individual models by 2030, its commitment to the latest tech and bold styling is proof that the marque is serious about EVs this time. Its Honda e was arguably ahead of its time, but the brand has stagnated in recent years, churning out reliable but relatively vanilla SUVs and small city cars with combustion engines or basic hybrid systems. Only the Civic Type-R has remained as a shining example of what the renowned engineering firm is capable of when it comes to pure driving thrills, but even that faces an uncertain future. It feels like the time is right for Honda to return to offering reliable but exciting vehicles that stand out from the crowd. We can't be the only ones thinking that an all-electric Series 0 Saloon Type-R would be a serious statement of intent from the brand.

Honda Debuts '0 Series' EVs With New AI Chip, Level 3 Self-Driving

LAS VEGAS -- Honda took the wraps off two upcoming electric cars here at CES, the first vehicles in its "0 Series" line. The plan is to launch the 0 Series SUV and 0 Series "Saloon" sedan in North America in 2026, followed by global markets. Though still prototypes, the EVs will likely look similar to what Honda is showing today, perhaps with some minor tweaks plus various packages and trim options. These tech-focused vehicles are significant launches for the Japanese automaker and will expand its electric offerings beyond the lone 2024 Prologue EV. The $47,000 SUV has been a success, but it has General Motors' battery platform and no Level 2 self-driving system. The Prologue was always an interim step until Honda could develop its own in-house tech as we're seeing now with the 0 Series. Honda has not confirmed pricing or range for the new lineup, though at CES last year, it outlined plans to offer a thin battery that can eventually charge in as little as 10-15 minutes. The motto is "Thin, Light, and Wise," referring to cars with a lightweight, efficient battery and smart operating system. Honda will produce the 0 Series vehicles in Ohio, suggesting they would qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, just like the Prologue. However, that's only if President-elect Donald Trump abandons plans to kill the credit when he returns to the White House later this month. Level 3 Self-Driving With New AI Chip and OS We're seeing Honda sharply focus on autonomous driving, perhaps taking a cue from Tesla's robotaxi push. Honda says it wants to establish "global leadership" in Level 3 self-driving, which is a step above the Level 2 systems offered today by Tesla, Ford, GM, and others. The key difference with Level 3 is the driver can take their hands off the wheel and look away -- no constant attention and eye contact required. Mercedes is currently the only automaker with an approved, Level 3 system in the US. "The vehicle will oversee driving, which will enable a human driver to perform a 'second task' while en route to their destination, whether watching a movie or remotely joining a meeting," Honda says. The "eyes-off" system will first be available on highways before expanding to "all driving situations." A powerful new AI chip paired with a new operating system will underpin the tech. Built with Renesas Electronics Corporation, it aims to have "one of the industry's top-class AI performances of 2,000 TOPS3 (Sparse) with 20 TOPS/W power efficiency," Honda says. The new operating system is ASIMO OS, named after Honda's humanoid ASIMO robot that debuted in 2002 and sunset in 2018. Like the robot, it can "recognize external environments and...react while understanding the intentions of people," Honda says, which is a key component of self-driving. Both 0 Series EVs will have the ASIMO OS and will receive regular over-the-air updates. Built-In NACS Port, Selling Energy to the Grid The 0 Series will have an NACS charge port, meaning they can plug into Tesla Superchargers without requiring an adapter. That will be the industry standard by 2026. But Honda isn't relying on Tesla to solve the EV-charging problem. It's teamed up with seven other automakers to create the IONNA charging network. It'll eventually offer 30,000 fast-charging stations in public areas by 2030. Combined with the roughly 18,000 Superchargers available to non-Teslas, plus other networks, Honda expects 0 Series drivers will have access to "more than 100,000 charging stations by 2030." Honda views 0 Series cars as "virtual power plants." The cars can charge themselves at times when energy usage is lowest and sell back energy to the public power grid when electricity costs are high, "thereby wisely managing the entire household's electricity bill." Honda is also "considering" running data from the IONNA and the 0 Series vehicles through Amazon AWS to create a "personalized charging experience for each individual." That would include helping drivers find charging stations and "simplifying payment methods."

CES2025 | new Honda 0 EV models inch closer to production

Honda kicked off the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in high style today with the global debut of the first two models in its new 0 Series of EVs set to roll off the line in 2026 - along with your newest road trip buddy: ASIMO (!). With talk of artificial intelligence and robotics beginning to overwhelm the discussion around forward-looking automobiles, it's worth noting that Honda has been developing both advanced AIs and humanoid robots for decades - most notably the friendly, faceless ASIMO robot that promised to take care of lonely seniors (as opposed to Tesla's Optimus, which promises to take your union job and put your family on the street). As a huge fan of the OG ASIMO, I was genuinely delighted to see the friendly robot's name featured prominently in the official press release announcing the new 0 Series. In its latest iteration, ASIMO isn't a cuddly robot, but a new, original vehicle operating system developed by Honda that, the brand hopes, will offer a similarly friendly e-mobility experience to 0 Series drivers. ASIMO has learned a lot from other proprietary vehicle OSs, too. For starters, it's constantly updating the in-vehicle software through over the air (OTA) updates for both the digital UX and integrated dynamics controls that will allow Honda to deliver, "a personalized ownership experience that will enhance the joy of driving." For 0 Series drivers who find more joy in texting than steering, ASIMO will also be managing an updated version of Honda SENSING Elite - a Level 3 autonomous ADAS solution first seen on the 2021 Honda Legend in the Japanese Market. Which is great information for Honda enthusiasts - but you're not here to talk about a five year old, ICE-powered, Japan-only sedan. This is Electrek, and you're here for the new hotness, and that starts with a look at the new, electric Honda 0 SUV. Further developing the themes first shown in last year's Honda Space-Hub concept and based on Honda's new, internally-developed EV architecture, the 0 SUV will be the first "all Honda" EV to hit the US market when starts rolling off the production line at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in the first half of 2026. That's right, kids: the new Honda EVs will be made in the USA, deftly avoiding any potential tariffs and heralding the results of more than $5 billion of investment in American manufacturing on Honda's part - something that's refreshing to see in a market where corporate news has been dominated by multi-billion dollar stock buybacks and labor disputes in recent months. Details like battery capacity, power and torque, dynamic performance figures, and even driving range are limited - if not nonexistent. That said, it's safe to assume that the Over on the sedan side, the prototype Honda 0 Saloon is a stone-cold stunner. One of my fellow journalists remarked that it looked more like, "a Lamborghini Saloon than a Honda," and the remark was met with knowing nods. For sure, there is a LOT of Honda's iconic, Pininfarina-designed HPX concept from 1984 in the new 0 Saloon's profile - but that's wholly intentional, and the HPX was alluded to as one of the company's stylistic touchpoints when the 0 Series concept made its debut at last year's CES. Like the SUV, the Saloon announcement is light on details. Still, the company says the new car will feature several next-generation technologies that, "embody the 'Thin, Light and Wise' development approach of the Honda 0 Series. Being none of those things, I'd like to hear more about horsepower and torque - or, at least, have a better understanding of how those rear windows are supposed to go up and down. That said, this is a prototype. That's different from a concept in the sense that most concept cars have almost no chance at production. In contrast, a prototype is just that: the first (proto) of its kind (type). It's sort of promise to stakeholders that something really very much a whole lot just. Like. This. Is coming ... and maybe even coming soon. At a Honda roundtable discussion ahead of CES2025, Honda North America executives discussed EV charging - and the feeling was that Honda, like Tesla, was ready to take responsibility for the entire EV ownership experience by playing a bigger role in IONNA, the 7 OEM collaboration launched last February. We're not going to see Honda-branded chargers, but Honda insists it isn't going to leave the charging experience to someone else, either. "The goal is to have ASIMO deliver live trip planning and charge point routing, but customize the experience as it gets to know you," explains Jay Joseph, VP of Sustainability and Business Development at Honda North America (paraphrasing). "Whether that's routing you to a charge point that uses cleaner energy or locations that have pet-friendly facilities, that's something that we hope to bring to the charging experience." What's more, Honda wants that charging experience to be as easy and ubiquitous as gas is today. "We believe we can rival Supercharger Network by the end of this decade," continues Joseph. "We're very confident," he said, doubling down, while he explained that Honda would deliver the 0 Series models with J3400/NACS (read: Tesla) style connectors. Plug and charge, AI-driven routing and charging suggestions and trip navigation, and more ASIMO-driven improvements to the EV ownership experience were mentioned - "by the middle of next decade, BEVs could be the largest source of stored energy to help smooth out the so-called 'duck curve' of the current energy grid. We think V2G will help smooth that out, and enable customers' energy costs to be much more predictable." Up close, Honda's upcoming 0 Series SUV seems much closer to production-spec than its Saloon sibling - and that makes sense. In North America and Europe, these cars' primary markets, five passenger crossovers are the meatiest part of the mainstream market, and where any economies of scale are likely to take place. And that's fine. Honda isn't saying "this is it," they're saying they're going to build something like this. The details may change, the bumpers may grow a bit and the wheels may shrink a bit and the mirrors will definitely grow a whole lot, but if you like the way these prototypes look, you'll probably like the production version. The real news here, then, isn't the cars. Yes, they're great-looking machines, and they improve (I think) on the themes first shown in 2024. Instead, the news is that Honda is taking their customers' entire ownership experience seriously - and they're using AI in a way that promises to cater to your individual needs, not necessarily market to your individual tastes. It will do that, too, of course. But not just that. We'll have more Honda and CES2025 news throughout the week. For now, though, take a look at some of the sneak peek photos we took last night and let us know what you think of the updated Honda 0 Series EVs in the comments section.

Honda unveils sleek electric sedan and SUV prototypes at CES 2025

CES 2025 Read and watch our complete CES coverage here Updated less than 0 just now ago Table of Contents Table of Contents They still look like concept cars Levelling up driver-assist tech Computing rethink More charging options U.S.-built Honda's next-generation electric vehicles are a step closer to production. At CES 2025, the automaker unveiled prototypes of the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV, the first two of its 0 Series EVs that will start rolling off assembly lines in Ohio next year. The two EVs follow 0 Series concept cars Honda unveiled at CES 2024. These are closer to what buyers can expect to see in showrooms, hence the label of "prototype" rather than "concept." How close exactly? When Honda unveils a prototype, that vehicle generally makes the transition to production with minimal changes. But that would be particularly remarkable here. Recommended Videos They still look like concept cars The 0 Saloon prototype maintains the low-slung wedge shape of last year's Saloon concept, making it look more like a 1980s supercar than a modern electric sedan (saloon is a common term for sedan outside the United States). The 0 SUV is more of a departure from its predecessor, the van-like Space-Hub, but it still has interesting styling features of its own, like a tapered tail likely aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag. Please enable Javascript to view this content Honda didn't offer too much technical detail but confirmed a steer-by-wire system similar to what's currently used on the Tesla Cybertruck and the Infiniti Q50 before that. Steer-by-wire eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires, something Honda believes will offer improved handling through closer integration with other electronic systems. Levelling up driver-assist tech The 0 Series EVs will also feature a Level 3 driver-assistance system, meaning drivers will be able to take their eyes off the road in at least some situations. Honda began offering this tech on a limited basis in 2021, but only in Japan. Honda is open to offering its next-generation Level 3 system in the U.S. but views the patchwork of state regulations governing this tech as an obstacle. In the 0 Series, Level 3 capability will initially be available only in traffic congestion on highways, similar to the Drive Pilot Level 3 system Mercedes-Benz rolled out in California and Nevada in 2023. Greater functionality will be added later through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Honda is also integrating AI in the hope of finding additional performance improvements. It plans to use an unsupervised learning model from Helm.ai along with "behavior models of experienced drivers" to help the AI learn more quickly. Honda has also done some of its own development work, which the automaker believes could be useful in teaching driver-assist systems how to better cooperate with other road users by, for example, more quickly figuring out when to yield. Computing rethink The 0 Series EVs will also be equipped with a new operating system called Asimo, in honor of the Honda-developed humanoid robot that was a fixture of auto shows and trade shows from 2000 to the early 2010s. The Asimo OS will run the user interface and all vehicle systems and will be fully OTA updateable, Honda says. Building on that, Honda has signed an agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a system-on-chip for future 0 Series models. The goal is to consolidate the numerous control units responsible for individual vehicle systems into one core unit. This could help reduce energy consumption to help maximize range and avoids the problems inherent in sourcing control units from multiple suppliers with multiple software stacks. More charging options All 0 Series EVs will be built with Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports. Honda is working to deliver access to the Tesla Supercharger network later this year, and it's part of the eight-automaker consortium launching the Ionna fast-charging network. All told, Honda expects its EV customers to have access to 100,000 public charging stations by 2030. For home charging, the 0 Series will also benefit from the ChargeScape joint venture between Honda, Ford, Nissan, and BMW. The three automakers hope to launch a software platform by 2026 that, among other things, allows customers to send excess power back to the grid. U.S.-built Previous Next 1 of 10 Honda plans to launch a production version of the 0 SUV in North America during the first half of 2026, with the 0 Saloon following later in the year. Both models will arrive in North America first, followed by other markets like Europe and Japan. They'll likely also form the basis for the Afeela EV from Sony Honda Mobility, also scheduled for a 2026 launch. In the meantime, Honda continues to rely on General Motors to stock its showrooms with electric models with the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX -- two electric SUVs derived from the U.S. automaker's models.

Honda showcases U.S.-made EVs as it considers slowing investments

Honda has revealed two electric vehicle prototypes heralding a wave of new battery-powered models it plans to release in the years ahead, though the carmaker may dial back the pace of its EV investments if demand continues to lose steam. The two models -- a sedan and and SUV -- will be built at Honda's plant in Ohio and sold in the U.S. starting early next year, the company said on Tuesday. They're the first of 30 new EVs Honda plans to introduce globally by 2030. The company is aiming for 100% zero-emission automobile sales in North America by 2040, but has indicated it's open to shifting gears if demand for EVs continues to wane. That may be exacerbated if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump follows through on threats to do away with EV tax credits. "Some investment plans may be delayed as growth slows down, but we haven't changed our thinking on bringing more EVs to market," Katsushi Inoue, a senior managing director in charge of EV business development, said in an interview. "EVs will go mainstream over a longer-term time frame." The carmaker displayed the near-production models of its 0 Series sedan and mid-size SUV at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, saying both models will be equipped with an in-house operating system called Asimo that controls functions such as advanced driver-assistance. The automaker's Marysville, Ohio, plant will start building those EVs this year alongside traditional combustion-engine cars. The all-electrics will use batteries from a $4.4 billion joint-venture factory with LG Energy Solution. Honda is also investing $11 billion in EV production in Ontario, and receiving billions in dollars of financial aid from the Canadian government. Inoue said Honda doesn't expect that subsidy package to change after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign. Honda also said on Tuesday that it's partnering with Japan's Renesas Electronics on a high-performance system-on-chip for use in 0 series models later this decade. The chip is designed to simplify vehicles by integrating multiple functions into a single electronic control unit. Overlaid with the automaker's artificial intelligence software, the companies aim to develop a system "that achieves one of the industry's top class AI performances," Honda said.