Nearly a year ago, Honda brought a pair of wild EV concepts to the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which has become more car-focused in recent years at vehicles go electric, autonomous, and more tech- and software-focused than ever before. The 0 Series EVs, called the Saloon and the Space-Hub, were futuristic-looking, and representative of Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach to EV development, as a contrast to a trend of what Honda saw as “thick, heavy, but smart” EVs. The Saloon, in particular, was meant to preview a production model Honda is planning for 2026.
2026 is a year closer now, and Honda is teasing its return to CES on January 7, 2025, where it will showcase a pair of new 0 Series EV prototypes, along with some fresh technology.
What Is Honda Hiding In The Shadows?
The two new EVs bear resemblances to those shown at the 2024 show, particularly the one pictured on the left. It strongly resembles the Saloon concept, with a sleek, wedge shape and a distinctive rear end with unique lighting. The fact that Honda is referring to these as “prototypes” could be a clue, and perhaps this is an updated version of the 0 Series Saloon that is closer to production-spec. That’s exciting if that’s the case, as there was a time not long ago when Honda’s “concepts,” and especially its prototypes, ended up being a very faithful preview to a production car’s final design. That would mean whatever Honda brings to market in 2026 is going to look unlike anything else on the road. We can’t be sure what exactly it will be until the lights come up on the car in January.
The vehicle on the right bears a slight resemblance to the Space-Hub concept, though we can already see some differences even in this teaser. It looks a little more like an SUV than the van-like concept from before, especially with that lower, longer hood. The rear lighting is different, too, appearing as a big U shape underneath what appears to be a small roof spoiler. It definitely looks more consumer-focused than the heady concept from last January.
0 Series Are Software-Defined Vehicles
Honda says the new prototypes will focus on the “Wise” part of the “Thin, Light, and Wise” ethos. Honda believes it can achieve this through technology that meets customers’ needs, and is based on the knowledge the automaker has already gathered. Honda says it will introduce a new operating system in these prototypes, along with automated driving technology. It will also provide information about its “System on Chip” technology for software-defined vehicles like the 0 Series.
If that sounds a little nerdy (not a bad thing), well, that’s CES for you. Honda will help make it all make sense next month. In the meantime, for those of us with a poster-on-the-wall type of appreciation for car design, we have this shadowy teaser to fuel our imagination until the cars’ official unveiling.
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