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Honda will launch its first ground-up electric vehicles, the 0 Series Saloon and SUV, in 2026, marking a significant technological leap with a new operating system and advanced autonomous driving targets. Previewed at CES, these EVs represent Honda's "Thin, Light, and Wise" development philosophy, focusing on innovative packaging, efficient performance, and sophisticated AI-powered technology. Based on our assessment of the concepts, these production models aim to reposition Honda as a serious contender in the EV market.
The Honda 0 Series concepts feature a dramatic, wedge-shaped design that draws clear inspiration from iconic Italian design houses of the 1970s. The Saloon (a term for sedan used outside the U.S.) and the SUV are characterized by their sleek profiles and distinctive, bulky D-pillars that angle rearward. While concrete details like battery capacity, driving range, and power output remain undisclosed, Honda emphasizes a core developmental mantra of "Thin, Light, and Wise." This suggests a focus on maximizing interior space and efficiency. A key confirmed technology is steer-by-wire. This system, which lacks a direct physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, allows for more precise electronic integration of steering, suspension, and braking.
The 0 Series will debut Honda's new Asimo operating system, named after the company's famous humanoid robot. This software core is the "Wise" part of Honda's strategy, designed to manage everything from advanced driver-assistance systems to the infotainment. The system will receive over-the-air (OTA) updates to continuously add features and refine performance. Furthermore, Honda is developing its next-generation automated driving tech, which uses artificial intelligence and "behavior models of experienced drivers." The automaker's goal is to initially offer Level 3 autonomous driving—allowing for hands- and eyes-off operation—in congested highway traffic, with plans to expand its capabilities over time. A partnership with Renesas Electronics to create a custom system-on-a-chip (SoC) will provide the necessary computing power for these advanced functions without excessively draining the battery.
North American production is scheduled to begin at Honda's facility in Ohio during 2026. The 0 Series SUV will enter production first in the first half of the year, followed by the Saloon in the latter half. This timeline aligns with supporting infrastructure developments, including a next-generation Honda Smart Charge system that will enable bidirectional charging, allowing the vehicle to power a home or feed energy back to the grid. Through partnerships in the IONNA network and the adoption of the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, Honda aims to give its EV customers access to over 100,000 public chargers by 2030.
For potential buyers, the key takeaways are a 2026 launch, a focus on driver-centric technology and spacious interiors, and a clear, expanding charging strategy. The 0 Series represents Honda's commitment to starting from zero and building a comprehensive EV ecosystem.
