Honda reveals radical O Series EV concepts

EVs

The giant Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is an increasingly important venue for car makers such as Honda to unveil their latest new vehicle concepts.

Honda O Series concept saloon and SUV Evs.

Honda unveiled two futuristically styled prototype 0 Series models at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, describing the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV as clear pointers to two new electrified Honda 0 Series models set to be introduced to global markets in 2026.

The Honda O Saloon prototype is a low-slung sporty-looking electric sedan with a fastback silhouette and four-seat interior. It’s a development of the concept model introduced at CES 2024, and is due to be launched in 2026, according to Honda.

The prototype maintains the exact styling design of the concept model, including a low height and sporty styling that Holda believes sets it apart from other EVs. Clever packaging ensures an interior that is more spacious than the compact exterior dimensions suggest.

Honda O Series concept saloon EV.

The 0 Saloon is based on the newly developed dedicated EV architecture, with Honda promising several next-generation technologies in the eventual production model, which is due to be introduced to the North American market in 2026, and global markets, after that.

These technologies include what is claimed to be “highly reliable automated driving” backed by the Level 3 automated driving technology, as well as “ultra-personal optimisation” that will offer a mobility experience customised for each individual user.

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Sharing stage space with the Honda O Saloon was the Honda O SUV, a mid-size electric SUV based on the Space-Hub concept model unveiled at CES 2024.

Promising an exceptionally spacious cabin with an “outstandingly clear and unrestricted field of view,” the Honda 0 SUV features such advanced technologies such as high-precision attitude estimation and stabilisation control based on 3D gyro sensors.

The production model of the Honda 0 SUV is scheduled to be introduced first in North American market in the first half of 2026, then in global markets, including Japan and Europe.

Honda O Series concept SUV EV.

At the heart of both the Honda O Saloon and the Honda O SUV is the Japanese car maker’s new vehicle operating system (OS), the Asimo OS, which will underpin these and future Honda models.

Honda attributes some of the technological advances in both O Series models to the Asimo robot it introduced in 200 and developed for over a decade. The humanoid robot was capable of autonomous walking and other feats that made it a leader in the field of robotics during its decade-long model cycle.

The company says the Asimo software platform will apply integrated control of electronic control units (ECUs) for vehicle systems such as automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ADAS) and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system.

In 2021, Honda became the world’s first automaker to put Level 3 automated driving equipment into practical use with the launch of the Honda Legend equipped with Honda SENSING Elite, which qualified for Level 3 automated driving (eyes-off), and conditional driving automation in limited areas.

Honda O Series concept EV interior.

Level 3 automated driving means the vehicle oversees driving, enabling a human driver to perform a second task while en route to their destination, whether that be watching a movie or remotely joining a meeting.

Honda says it will further advance its automated driving technologies with the O Series to become the first automaker to expand the application of eyes-off functions to all driving situations.

Both Honda 0 Series models will be equipped with a system that enables the expansion of the range of driving conditions where driver assistance and Level 3 automated driving will be available.

Honda says this expansion will start with eyes-off technology available in traffic congestion on highways, then will continue to be updated and improved throughout the vehicle’s model life using OTA (over the air) updates.

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