CES is quickly becoming THE show of the year for automakers to display their new visions of the future, and Honda is showing up in force this year with two new EV concepts and more.
Honda announced the “Honda 0 Series,” the brand name of their next generation of global EVs, with two foundational vehicles, the Honda Saloon and Space-Hub concepts. These concepts are meant to preview what this series of next-generation Honda EVs will look like.
The Honda Saloon concept is the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series. While dubbed a “saloon,” this concept appears to be a bit more ambiguous in its form, a reflection on the new proportions and packaging EV platforms allow designers to work with. The Honda Saloon concept is extremely futuristic with blocky, sheer shapes and a cab-forward stance. It doesn’t appear very production-ready, so seeing how these design themes play out in a more production-intent car will be interesting.
Next is the Honda Space-Hub, a van-like vehicle designed to maximize the space inside and be a sort of living room on wheels. Here again, we find simple, sheer surfacing and an upright, boxy profile. Inside, passengers are treated to an open, airy interior dominated by an almost fully-glass greenhouse meant to connect occupants with the outside world. We can easily see this catching on in a minivan-loving country like Japan or China, where executives frequently travel in chauffeur-driven luxury vans.
In addition to these two concept vehicles, Honda debuted a new “H mark” logo that will be found exclusively on its next-generation EV models. Reminiscent of Honda’s earlier logos, the new logo is meant to “express the company’s determination to undergo a historic transformation as well as the ability to constantly pursue new challenges and advancements.” Symbolizing two outstretched hands, this new logo represents Honda’s “commitment to expand the possibilities of mobility and continue to meet the needs of its customers.” That’s a lot of symbolism packed into one logo.
The Honda 0 series design philosophy hinges on three core elements: thin, light, and wise. These principles are meant to counter the traditional EV shortcomings of them being heavy, thick vehicles (not sure on the wise part though, we’ll have to wait and see). Honda’s 0 Series will focus on a thin EV platform with a low floor and exceptional aerodynamic performance. Honda 0 Series vehicles will also usher in advancements in automated driving, connected tech, and more. And, of course, what CES announcement would be complete without a mention of a new AI vehicle operating system that will learn people’s behaviors and preferences, adjust vehicle settings, and route guidance recommendations accordingly, something Honda says will be coming to its 0 Series vehicles.
Honda says the first 0 Series models will come to the North American market in 2026.
