CES 2025: Wild 0 Series SUV and 0 Saloon prove Honda is serious about daring to be different in its bid to challenge Tesla and Chinese EV makers

Updated 1:27pm 10/01/2025 with Honda Australia comments.

The 2026 Honda 0 SUV and 2026 Honda 0 Saloon prototypes have been unwrapped at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas ahead of their launch next year.

Revealed by Honda only days after news of a shock merger with Nissan and potentially Mitsubishi emerged, both 0s are recognisably close to the radical concepts that preview two production models that launch next year.

First to launch is the new Honda 0 SUV that will go on-sale in North America in the first half of 2026 followed shortly after by the 0 Saloon.

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Both will then land in Europe before the end of next year including the right-hand drive UK market, paving the way for both to be introduced in Australia.

Honda Australia says it can’t comment on the specifics of the 0 Series models and their potential for Australia, but is “excited” about what was shown.

“Honda Australia is focusing on increasing our hybrid strategy and expansion within the Australian market,” a statement from the company read in response to a request from EV Central to explain its electrification timeline.

“We have introduced hybrid models across the entire range and we continue to include additional models and grades where we can, to further bolster the options for Australian consumers.

“We are working towards an electric option in Australia within the next three years.”

Picking up where the 2024 CES Space Hub concept left off, the new 0 SUV is a mid-size SUV that has been created to be a volume seller.

It is clearly designed, developed and engineered to battle the global best-selling Tesla Model Y.

Compared to the Space Hub, the 0 SUV has been toned down a little, but it’s still radical in a historically conservative class of mid-size entrants.

Witness the new Honda’s squared-off looks and wacky boxy rear styling that maximises interior space for passengers.

Full technical details for both the 0 SUV or the 0 Saloon will come later, but both are based on Honda’s next-generation all-electric architecture and will feature its advanced future powertrain technology.

Created to be “thin, light and wise”, the new Honda SUV and Saloon will weigh around 100kg less than rivals thanks to a body and platform created using mega-casting that also reduces parts and complexity.

The new battery packs are also around 8mm thinner saving yet more mass and providing a little extra room within.

Other innovation includes trick aerodynamics that, combined with the smooth Lamborghini Gallardo-like snout and low ride height, should see the 0 Saloon come with class-leading efficiency.

Honda has also promised some of the most engaging handling in their EV classes for both models.

Offered with either single- or dual-motor powertrains, engineers have devised a new compact e-axle motor that sits lower in the car to aid centre of gravity and liberate more space.

Entry versions will produce around 180kW, while the fastest 0s will push out around 359kW.

From launch, the 0 Saloon will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with a capacity said to be around 80-90kWh that will provide a range of around 480km.

Later on a larger 100kWh battery will be introduced that should raise distance covered on a single charge to around 600km.

From launch, the 0 Series family of EVs will bag a new software operating system called Asimo OS – a refence to the pioneering robotics Honda has produced since 1986.

The new operating system is responsible for more than the next-gen infotainment. It is tasked to also control the new Honda sedan and SUV’s advanced autonomous driving aids.

New chassis tech, meanwhile, includes powerful new 3D gyro sensors that were originally created for robots but have been reinvented for cars.

The tech works by using the dampers, regen and real braking to reduce body roll, pitch and dive under braking, while delivering a cossetting ride.

Eventually, Honda has promised the 0 Series models will be capable of level three autonomous driving., which will allow for the driver to watch movies or read a book or newspaper in certain geofenced areas.

A larger seven-seat SUV will follow in 2027 with a compact and small SUV also expected that year.

By 2030 the Japanese car-maker says it will have introduced a compact sedan to rival the Tesla Model 3.

With its partner Sony, Honda also used CES to roll out the Afeela 1 electric sedan that will be  built in the USA and go on-sale in California in 2026 priced from $89,900 ($144,000). Any Australian prospects for the Afeela brand remain unknown.

Finally, Honda used the CES show to announce a new partnership with Tokyo-based electronics firm Renesas to develop new range of high-performance microchips that will be substantially faster and offer more advanced processing power than current tech with only a minimal increase in power consumption.