Honda’s vision for the electric age just got a whole lot clearer. Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, the Japanese automaker pulled the covers off two prototypes - the 0 Series Saloon and 0 Series SUV, teasing production-ready EVs set to hit roads in the first half of 2026. These daring newcomers will roll off the lines at Honda’s state-of-the-art EV Hub in Ohio, a nod to the brand’s deep American manufacturing roots.
What about the mechanical specs? Honda isn’t ready to pop the bonnet just yet. Details on powertrains and battery tech remain under wraps. Instead, the spotlight at CES was firmly on the brains behind these electric marvels—an advanced suite of technology designed to transform driving as we know it.
Both the 0 Saloon and SUV will feature Level 3 autonomous driving capability, allowing for hands-off, eyes-off cruising in select conditions. Honda is partnering with Helm.ai to develop AI smarts that mimic human-like perception, even navigating complicated urban intersections with split-second decision-making. Powering this computational wizardry is a cutting-edge system-on-chip (SoC) from Renesas Electronics Corporation.
But the real party trick? Honda’s in-house AI operating system. If ASIMO rings a bell, you’re on the right track. Named after Honda’s famous humanoid robot, the ASIMO OS integrates cameras, sensors, and predictive algorithms that do more than just drive the car, they form a relationship with it. Yes, Honda says your car will get to know you.
Feeling tense? The car might strike up a conversation to soothe your nerves. Share a laugh, and it’ll respond in kind. Like a loyal friend, it learns your habits, emotions, and preferences over time. Depending on your view of technology, that’s either heartwarming or downright unsettling.
While full production details are still under lock and key, we do know the SUV will be first out of the gate, with a US-market launch slated for mid-2026. The Saloon will follow shortly after. Pre-production examples could hit the streets as early as next year.
So, Honda’s future is a bold mix of advanced autonomy, emotive AI, and Ohio-built electric innovation. Will it be a game-changer? Time will tell, but one thing’s for certain, these EVs aim to be far more than just cars. They’ll be companions, copilots, and maybe even confidants.