Key Points
- Honda introduced prototypes of its first homegrown EVs at CES 2025: the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV.
- The 0 SUV’s boxier design provides more headroom and cargo space, and its pixelated headlights emphasize its modern style.
- Side-view cameras face regulatory challenges in the U.S., but other design elements remain flexible in pre-production.
- Honda is scheduled to produce 0 Sedans and 0 SUVs in 2026, marking its significant entry into the EV market.
At CES 2025, Honda showcased prototypes of its first homegrown electric vehicles, transitioning from concept to near-production models. Initially teased last year as the Series 0 Saloon and Space-Hub, the vehicles now bear updated names: the Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV. With production set for 2026, these prototypes offer a glimpse into Honda’s vision for its electric future, particularly with the 0 SUV, which has undergone significant design evolution.
The Honda 0 SUV blends futuristic aesthetics with functionality, borrowing design cues from models like the Polestar 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Its minimalist, boxy shape avoids the teardrop silhouette common in many EVs, prioritizing practicality. This design provides more headroom for rear passengers and ample vertical cargo space.
The SUV’s pixelated headlights underscore its modern, tech-forward character. At the same time, the clean and simple rear design avoids the overly blank appearance seen in some competitors, like the Ioniq 9.
With proportions resembling a tall, lifted wagon, the 0 SUV offers a unique blend of utility and style. When placed beside the sleeker 0 Saloon, the contrast highlights its distinct crossover appeal, catering to the U.S. market’s appetite for SUVs.
Inside, Honda’s focus on its “Thin, Light and Wise” design philosophy is evident in the streamlined cabin. While the layout of screens and dashboard elements remains subject to change, the overall design emphasizes simplicity and innovation. This includes shifting to a steer-by-wire system, which eliminates traditional mechanical linkages in favor of electronic control.
However, challenges remain, particularly with the side-view cameras, which currently do not meet U.S. regulatory standards. Despite these hurdles, the prototypes showcase Honda’s commitment to blending cutting-edge design with practicality, setting the stage for a new era in its electric vehicle lineup.
