Honda is no stranger to electric vehicles. In the past, they’ve sold the Fit EV, Clarity Electric, and futuristic FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car. Today, the company offers a fuel-cell-powered Honda CR-V, and the Honda Prologue electric SUV is among the best-selling EVs in America. However, the Prologue uses Ultium technology from General Motors instead of home-grown Honda tech.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
That’s about to change. If everything goes smoothly, the first of a new lineup of Honda 0 Series electrics will arrive in about a year. The 0 Series SUV is about the size of a Honda CR-V, and I got a chance to spend some quality time with a prototype of the new EV in a studio at American Honda’s headquarters in Torrance, California.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Honda is wise to launch the 0 Series with a compact SUV since that’s what people want to buy. The automaker hasn’t discussed prices, specifications, or much else of substance, so it’s too early to assess how the automaker might position it in relationship to the Prologue. What I can tell you is these are two completely different EVs, and the 0 Series SUV is far more sophisticated.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Though it was a prototype, the 0 Series SUV seen in the photos is surprisingly close to what you’ll be able to buy in a year or so. Some details will change, like the addition of side mirrors and smaller standard wheels. Still, the prototype’s overall form, functionality, and underlying in-house engineering are expected to make it to production.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
As an EV with a flat interior floor, the 0 Series SUV is roomy inside. It can hold five people, but four will be happier. The prototype has a nearly unbroken expanse of glass extending from the base of the windshield to beyond the rear passengers, and I expect Honda to tone that down. The steering yoke, poorly received by Tesla buyers, may also disappear.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
However, given the full-screen dashboard powered by Honda’s new ASIMO OS software, a traditional steering wheel might not work. In any case, based on the top-layer functionality available to me in the prototype, ASIMO OS is a long overdue overhaul of Honda’s infotainment systems, and it appears to be a class-leading technology with an intuitive interface, impressive graphics, and artful details.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The 0 Series SUV’s cargo area is competitively sized, and the prototype includes storage bins on each side. Those likely won’t make it to production. A small glass window provides a mail-slot view to the rear, so drivers will mostly rely on cameras and sensors when reversing.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
With the arrival of its 0 Series EVs, Honda also plans to include a new Level 3 driving assistance technology providing hands-off, eyes-free driving on approved highways. The automaker already offers the technology in Japan for use at lower speeds.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Without details about power, range, charging, and price, I can only judge the 0 Series SUV on its design, packaging, and ASIMO OS infotainment system. With that in mind, I find this new Honda EV distinctive, technologically advanced, and just as practical as a CR-V, making it an impressive vision of the future from Honda.
Honda will build the 0 Series SUV at its new electric vehicle assembly plant in Ohio. When it arrives at dealerships in 2026, I expect it to compete with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R2, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4.
Honda is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 18, 2025, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
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