AUTO

Honda 0 SUV and Saloon Bring Surprising Tech to EVs

January 8, 2025

Honda 0 SUV includes fold-down tables in the cargo area.
Honda 0 Saloon features retro-style headlights and practical doors.
Both models have a full-width dash screen inspired by the Afeela project.

What happens when a car company takes lessons from a robot that walked 33 million steps and builds an operating system for its vehicles? And have you ever looked at a concept car and thought, “What were they thinking?”

That initial shock, mixed with curiosity, is exactly what Honda is banking on with its Honda 0 prototypes.

Also, Honda just gave us the answer, and it’s as intriguing as it sounds.

At CES in Las Vegas, the automaker unveiled the Honda 0 prototypes, an SUV and a sedan, that look like they’ve stepped out of a retro-futuristic movie. But beyond their unique designs lies something that grabs your attention. But what really makes them exciting is the in-house-developed system that learns and adapts as you use it.

This is not a distant concept, as production is set to begin in 2026.

Honda 0 Saloon & SUV Prototypes Debut at 2025 CES

Honda 0 SUV and Saloon Blend Quirky Design with Futuristic Tech

First up, we have the Honda 0 SUV, which looks like an ’80s dustbuster had a whirlwind romance with a Volvo EX30. Then there’s the Honda 0 Saloon, a swoopy sedan with a silhouette reminiscent of an anteater. Yes, you read that right. But before you write them off as weird, let’s break down the details.

The SUV features a unique rear cargo area with fold-down tables, perfect for an impromptu picnic or tailgate party. Meanwhile, the Saloon swaps out its concept car gull-wing doors for something more practical but keeps its charm with retro-style headlights that wink open like they’re straight out of a ’70s sci-fi film.

The interior of both cars features a full-width dash screen that stretches from pillar to pillar, echoing Honda’s joint Afeela project with Sony. Fans of tech-focused and minimalist designs may find this approach particularly appealing.

Honda 0 Saloon Prototype Debut at 2025 CES

Honda 0 Prototypes Introduce Smarter Driving With Asimo OS

Now, let’s focus on the technology behind the Honda 0 prototypes. These vehicles are powered by the in-house Asimo OS, named after Honda’s iconic humanoid robot from the early 2000s.

Asimo was famous for its ability to wave, walk, and even kick a soccer ball with President Obama. Honda used the knowledge gained from Asimo’s development, including its 33 million recorded steps, to create a system designed to prioritize safety, personalization, and automation.

_{Video from CNN, President Obama plays soccer with a robot.}

Ever been stuck in traffic, wishing you could do anything but stare at the car in front of you? Honda’s Asimo OS might just make that wish a reality. This system enables Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing you to take your hands off the wheel and focus on other tasks under certain conditions.

You can join a meeting or stream a show while the car handles the stress. This feature is now in leased Honda Legend sedans in Japan, but the Honda 0 lineup plans to offer it widely by 2026.

The system learns from you and adapts through over-the-air updates, adjusting to your habits and preferences. It is like having a co-pilot feature who remembers exactly how you like things.

How Many Computers Does Your Car Need?

How many computers does your car really need? Most vehicles today have dozens of electronic control units, each managing different functions like braking and climate control. While it sounds advanced, this setup creates inefficiencies and potential lag as these systems try to communicate with one another. Honda is addressing this challenge with a smarter solution.

The company has teamed up with Renesas, a semiconductor manufacturer, to create a single ECU capable of handling all these tasks. By combining advanced AI and automated driving features into one chip, Honda is cutting down on extra wiring and boosting processing speed.

Think of it like clearing the clutter from your car’s brain, leaving you with a smoother and faster experience. It is a practical change that could make a big difference in how vehicles respond on the road.

Honda 0 Prototypes Bring Smarter Tech to Everyday Driving

You might wonder why these prototypes matter. Honda is approaching EVs differently by designing cars that integrate into your life. Features like fold-down tables, rotating yoke steering wheels, and adaptive operating systems add practicality and a touch of personality.

While the exact designs may not make it to production in 2026, the technology behind them, like the Asimo OS and streamlined ECU, will influence future EVs. Even if an anteater-inspired sedan is not your style, the advancements from these prototypes will likely improve your driving experience.

Honda 0 SUV & Saloon Prototypes Debut at 2025 CES

If you are interested in electric vehicles, you should keep Honda’s 0 lineup on your radar. As production begins, these vehicles could provide a clear look at what the future of driving might offer.

Consider this question: how could smarter technology improve your daily driving experience? Features like hands-free commutes, personalized settings, or a car that adapts to your preferences are all within reach.

Would you take a spin in the Honda 0, or does the idea of a car learning your habits make you hesitate? No matter your answer, these prototypes are opening up new conversations about the potential of electric vehicles.