SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 13, 2025 – Honda has unveiled its vision for the future of electric vehicles (EVs) at CES 2025 with the global debut of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes. These innovative EVs, set to revolutionize the driving experience, are scheduled to begin production in 2026 at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.
Honda 0 Series: A New Era of EVs
The Honda 0 Series represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology, embodying the company's "Thin, Light, and Wise" development philosophy. Both the SUV and Saloon prototypes showcase sleek, futuristic designs and spacious interiors, prioritizing both aesthetics and functionality.
Honda 0 SUV Prototype: Spaciousness and Versatility Redefined
The Honda 0 SUV prototype, built on Honda's new dedicated EV architecture, offers a glimpse into the future of electric SUVs. Its "Space-Hub" design concept prioritizes a spacious cabin with exceptional visibility and adaptability.
"This model will offer the value of an 'ever-advancing' space through 'ultra-personal optimization' and digital UX made possible by the ASIMO OS," Honda states.
Furthermore, the integration of a steer-by-wire system allows for seamless control of various components, including steering, suspension, and brakes, resulting in superior handling.
Honda 0 Saloon Prototype: A Flagship EV with Cutting-Edge Technology
The Honda 0 Saloon prototype, the flagship model of the 0 Series, boasts a sporty, low-slung design and advanced technologies. Its "wedge-shaped" styling distinguishes it from other EVs, while its surprisingly spacious interior offers comfort and practicality.
Honda highlights the "Wise" value of the 0 Saloon, emphasizing its highly reliable automated driving technologies, including Level 3 automated driving capabilities, and the "ultra-personal optimization" of the ASIMO OS.
ASIMO OS: The Brain Behind the Beauty
The ASIMO Operating System (OS) is a groundbreaking in-house development by Honda, named after the iconic ASIMO robot. This advanced vehicle OS is designed to provide a customized mobility experience, learning and adapting to individual user preferences.
"Honda gave the name ASIMO to its new vehicle OS... with a determination to strive for making Honda 0 Series an icon of next-generation EVs that will surprise and inspire people all around the world, just as ASIMO did," says Honda.
ASIMO OS leverages advanced robotics and intelligence technologies, incorporating integrated management of electronic control units (ECUs) for various vehicle systems. Over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure that the software remains current, continuously enhancing functionality and services based on user needs and preferences.
Automated Driving: Towards a Safer Future
Honda is committed to advancing automated driving technology, building on its experience with the Honda Legend equipped with Honda SENSING Elite, the world's first Level 3 automated driving system for consumer lease.
"Honda believes that the widespread use of eyes-off technology will lead to the realization of zero traffic collision fatalities in the future," the company asserts.
The 0 Series will feature an original Honda AI technology that combines unsupervised learning and driver behavior models, enabling efficient learning and expanding the range of automated driving situations. Honda's cooperative AI further enhances safety by improving cooperative behaviors, such as yielding the right of way.
High-Performance SoC: Powering the Future of EVs
Honda has partnered with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for next-generation 0 Series models. This advanced SoC will support a centralized E/E architecture, combining multiple ECUs into a single core ECU for enhanced processing performance and efficiency.
Energy Service: Sustainable and Convenient EV Ownership
Honda is dedicated to providing sustainable and convenient energy solutions for 0 Series owners. In North America, Honda is part of a joint venture to establish a vast charging network called IONNA, with plans for at least 30,000 high-quality charging stations by 2030. The adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) further expands charging accessibility.
Honda is also exploring a new charging service leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) IT technologies, including Amazon Bedrock's generative AI, to personalize the charging experience.
For home charging, Honda will advance its Honda Smart Charge service, utilizing the Home Energy Management System and Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) system. This service will optimize charging times based on electricity costs and renewable energy availability, effectively turning 0 Series vehicles into virtual power plants (VPPs).
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Honda 0 Series prototypes and the revolutionary ASIMO OS, Honda is poised to redefine the EV landscape. These innovative vehicles, combined with advanced technologies and a commitment to sustainability, offer a glimpse into the exciting future of mobility.
FAQs
- When will the Honda 0 Series be available? Production models of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon are scheduled to launch in North America in 2026, with global markets to follow.
- What is the ASIMO OS? ASIMO OS is Honda's new original vehicle operating system, named after the iconic ASIMO robot. It provides a customized mobility experience through advanced robotics and intelligence technologies.
- What is Level 3 automated driving? Level 3 automated driving, also known as "eyes-off" technology, allows the vehicle to take over driving in certain conditions, enabling the driver to engage in other activities.
- How is Honda addressing EV charging needs? Honda is actively involved in building a vast charging network and developing smart charging services to ensure convenient and sustainable charging solutions for 0 Series owners.
- What is the "Thin, Light, and Wise" development approach? This philosophy guides the development of Honda 0 Series, focusing on sleek design, spacious interiors, and advanced technologies for an optimized driving experience.