Honda 0 Series premiere: Will concept become reality?

Following a lukewarm reception for its e:Ny1 electric crossover, can Honda's latest prototypes put the firm back on the EV map? Find out if the new 0 Series is Tokyo’s silver bullet.

It’s a tumultuous time to be a legacy automaker. Whether its governments changing the legislative goalposts, newfound competition from China and the US, or a lingering public scepticism towards EVs generally, it’s no surprise many of the car industry’s oldest marques are starting to show the strain. 

However, while Honda doesn’t appear to be in dire financial straits like fellow Japanese brand Nissan — in fact, it may actually rescue the struggling firm if ongoing merger talks come to fruition — it’s certainly not immune to the winds of change sweeping the sector. 

Enter, Honda’s solution: A squad of seven new EVs by 2030, spearheaded by this futuristic pair in 2026. Look familiar? Well, that’s because they’re evolutions of the concept which debuted back at CES 2024 — now, in closer to production spec.

So what do we know about these ominously titled EVs? Starting with the flagship saloon, we can see it’ll look radically different to previous family models like the Accord. From its low streamlined silhouette to its sharp, angular nose, the 0 Series saloon gives off more supercar vibes than you’d expect from a practical five-seater. According to Honda, this new look is the culmination of a ‘Thin, light, and wise’ design philosophy that looks to overturn the conventional ‘thick and heavy’ EV image. Has it worked? You decide.  

As for the SUV, well that draws upon last years Space Hub concept for inspiration. For once, though, this is a situation where the watered-down, near-production version appears to be the more handsome and interesting machine. Where the Space Hub looked like the inharmonious union between a greenhouse and a commercial van, the 0 Series SUV is distinctive to just the right degree.

Sitting slightly taller with a shorter overall length than its saloon brother, the 0 SUV should maximise interior practicality – head, leg, and boot space included. And, while precious little technical data has been revealed just yet, on looks alone the 0 has every chance of competing with Tesla’s new Model Y and Ford’s Mustang Mach E. 

Understandably, when it comes to the performance and driving experience, there’s little we can reveal at this early stage. Rumours suggest both machines will achieve over 300 miles from a charge, while acceleration should be punchy given the instantaneous torque available from the electric motors. Furthermore, Honda’s choice to unveil both models on Michelin’s high-performance Pilot Sport EV tyre, suggests that cornering grip and sporty handling are high on the Series 0 agenda.

Other similarities between the two new models include Honda’s all-new ASIMO operating system – yes, that is a reference to Honda’s lovable, early 2000s humanoid robot. In essence, the new system aims to maximise personalisation and better understand the driver by using over the air updates (OTA) and ‘advanced intelligence technologies’. Oh, and all 0 Series model will benefit from Level 3 autonomous driving systems — local legislation permitting — which will start with ‘eyes-off technology available in traffic congestion on highways’ and should expand to include further driving scenarios in due course. 

Ultimately, we think Honda’s latest premiere is one its most interesting in decades and, given the current automotive landscape, it hasn’t arrived a moment too soon. But can the new 0 Series carry that sense of intrigue from concept through to production?

Hero image credit: Honda