At the ongoing CES 2025 exhibition in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled two prototypes for its new electric vehicle line, Honda Zero.
The first model, the Honda 0 SUV, is an SUV derived from the Space-Hub concept that was introduced last year. The second model, the Honda 0 Saloon, is a sedan inspired by the Saloon concept car. Both prototypes are powered by the Asimo OS operating system platform and are slated to enter mass production in 2026, marking the debut of Honda’s new operating system in its vehicle lineup.
The Honda 0 SUV stands out not only for its practicality but also for its near-commercial design, featuring an innovative open and folding cargo table on each side. In contrast, the Honda 0 Saloon has been modified for production by replacing its original gullwing doors with conventional doors; notably, the steering wheel automatically rotates when the door opens, facilitating easy access for the driver.
Both prototypes boast a stretched dashboard display, although there is some uncertainty regarding whether this feature will be included in the final production versions. A representative from Honda highlighted that the Honda Zero series embodies the three core principles of “thin, light, and smart,” with a particular emphasis on the “smart” aspect.
At CES 2025, Honda underscored the importance of the “smart” capabilities of this new vehicle line, which is fundamentally supported by the Asimo OS. Named after the humanoid robot developed in the early 2000s, Asimo OS is designed to deliver “ultra-personally optimized” experiences for its users.
This operating system enables Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing drivers to disengage from the driving task under certain conditions. It also integrates electronic controls for systems such as suspension, braking, and steering. Honda has assured customers that the Autopilot feature will be offered at an “affordable” price point.
Asimo OS is designed to learn from user interactions and will continuously adapt to enhance the driving experience. Honda has committed to providing regular updates for this operating system. The development of a system-on-chip, in collaboration with Renesas, aims to minimize the number of electronic control units (ECUs) while efficiently processing large volumes of data.
This approach aligns with the growing trend towards “software-defined cars,” utilizing advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies.
