In a highly anticipated showcase at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled two groundbreaking prototypes, the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, marking a new era for the automaker’s global EV strategy. Alongside these models, Honda introduced its cutting-edge ASIMO OS, an original vehicle operating system poised to redefine software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The announcements reaffirm Honda’s commitment to innovation in electric mobility, automated driving, and robotics-inspired technology.

Honda 0 Saloon: A Flagship of Innovation

The Honda 0 Saloon is set to be the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series, a lineup built on Honda’s newly developed, dedicated EV architecture. The prototype builds upon the concept introduced at CES 2024 and is slated for market launch in 2026, beginning in North America before expanding globally.

Design and Space: The Saloon seamlessly blends sleek, sporty styling with unexpected interior spaciousness. Despite its low profile, Honda promises a cabin designed for comfort, aligning with its “Thin, Light, and Wise” development philosophy.

Level 3 Automation: At its core, the Saloon will feature Honda’s highly reliable Level 3 automated driving technology, enabling “eyes-off” driving in traffic and beyond. This positions Honda as a pioneer in practical automated driving systems, continuing the legacy of the Honda Legend, the first production car to offer Level 3 automation.

Ultra-Personalized Mobility: The integration of ASIMO OS will deliver a deeply personalized driving experience, adapting to each user’s preferences for enhanced comfort, safety, and enjoyment.

The Saloon is designed to set new benchmarks in electric performance and customer experience, reflecting Honda’s bold vision for the future of transportation.

Honda 0 SUV: Redefining the EV Space

Building on the Space-Hub concept from CES 2024, the Honda 0 SUV prototype introduces a mid-size electric SUV that emphasizes a spacious cabin, flexibility, and user-friendly design. With production set to begin in early 2026, this model is poised to captivate both family-oriented and adventure-seeking drivers.

Expansive Interior: By embracing Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach, the SUV offers an unrestricted field of view and generous interior space, providing unparalleled comfort and practicality for drivers and passengers alike.

Next-Generation Dynamics: Leveraging Honda’s expertise in robotics, the SUV incorporates advanced 3D gyro sensors for precise attitude estimation and stabilization control. This ensures smooth, dynamic handling across diverse road conditions, delivering a driving experience that feels intuitive and connected.

With its blend of futuristic design, next-gen technologies, and spacious utility, the Honda 0 SUV promises to redefine the electric SUV segment.

ASIMO OS: Honda’s Vision for Software-Defined Vehicles

At the heart of the Honda 0 Series is the ASIMO OS, Honda’s original operating system. Drawing inspiration from the beloved ASIMO humanoid robot, Honda has repurposed its robotics expertise to deliver a revolutionary platform for EVs.

What is ASIMO OS?: ASIMO OS acts as the brain of Honda’s software-defined vehicles, integrating electronic control units (ECUs) for systems like automated driving, driver assistance (AD/ADAS), and infotainment. It enables seamless communication between various vehicle systems and optimizes user experience through real-time, over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Ultra-Personalized Features: By leveraging AI, the OS adapts to individual preferences, offering features such as custom driving modes, personalized infotainment, and dynamic cabin settings.

Continuous Evolution: ASIMO OS ensures vehicles evolve after purchase, with constant updates that enhance safety, comfort, and connectivity—keeping the driving experience fresh and future-proof.

This system represents Honda’s commitment to creating vehicles that are not only smarter but also more in tune with drivers’ needs and lifestyles.

Advancing Level 3 Automated Driving

Honda’s leadership in Level 3 automated driving continues with the 0 Series. The automaker aims to become the first in the world to enable “eyes-off” driving across all driving conditions, not just in traffic congestion. This breakthrough is achieved by integrating:

AI Technology: Honda’s proprietary AI leverages unsupervised learning (via Helm.ai) and behavior models inspired by experienced human drivers to improve decision-making and adaptability.

Cooperative AI: The system also employs cooperative AI to enhance interactions with other road users, such as yielding the right of way or handling unexpected obstacles, like animals crossing the road.

Expanded Driving Conditions: Through OTA updates, the range of scenarios where Level 3 automation is available will expand continuously, ensuring drivers always benefit from the latest advancements.

Honda’s ultimate goal is to eliminate traffic collisions entirely, making roads safer for everyone while transforming the daily commute into a more productive and enjoyable experience.

The Tech Behind the Vision: High-Performance SoC

To power the advanced features of the Honda 0 Series, Honda has partnered with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a next-generation system-on-chip (SoC). This collaboration will produce a highly efficient chip capable of supporting centralized E&E (electrical and electronic) architecture, integrating multiple vehicle systems into a single, core ECU. Highlights of this SoC include:

AI Optimization: The chip is designed to deliver industry-leading AI performance of 2,000 TOPS (Sparse) while maintaining exceptional power efficiency.

Future-Ready Architecture: By adopting multi-die chiplet technology, the SoC will support Honda’s ambitions for SDVs and Level 3 automation across various models and regions.

This development underscores Honda’s dedication to bringing cutting-edge technology to its vehicles while optimizing efficiency and sustainability.

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Mobility

Honda’s CES 2025 announcements signal a major leap forward in the EV and automated driving landscape. By combining visionary design, advanced robotics-inspired systems, and industry-leading automated driving technology, the Honda 0 Series represents a bold step toward a future defined by safer, smarter, and more enjoyable mobility.

With the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV prototypes scheduled to hit North American markets in 2026, the countdown has begun for a revolution in how we experience electric and autonomous vehicles. Honda’s commitment to innovation, embodied by the ASIMO OS and cutting-edge hardware partnerships, ensures that the Honda 0 Series will not only meet but exceed the expectations of tomorrow’s drivers.

Stay tuned as Honda reshapes the future of mobility, one groundbreaking innovation at a time.