Honda’s Electric Revolution Made in Ohio: Futuristic Zero Cars Ready for Production

Honda Takes a Bold Step into the Future of Electric Vehicles with Ohio at the Core of Its Transformation

Honda is making a bold leap into the future of electric vehicles, with the state of Ohio becoming the heart of this transformation. The recent CES 2025 exhibition served as a platform for the Japanese automotive giant to showcase its ambitious plans by unveiling two concept EVs: the daring "0 Saloon" sedan and the spacious "0 SUV" crossover.

These models, which have already created a buzz among car enthusiasts and industry experts, are not just concepts. Their mass production will begin at Honda’s new electric vehicle plant in Ohio within a year.
 

Meet the Zero Duo: Saloon and SUV – The Future is Closer Than Ever

The 0 Saloon concept, which has evolved from last year's prototype, now appears more mature and production-ready. Its mass-produced version is expected to roll off the assembly line by late 2026. The flagship model of the Zero lineup is built on an entirely new, purpose-designed electric platform.

The sedan's design retains the sleek lines of the 2024 concept but now features more realistic elements. Notable upgrades include enhanced lighting technology with retractable electric headlight covers and a new minimalist illuminated Honda logo. The front bumper has been refined for a cleaner look, and the segmented lower lip hints at the car's sporty character.
 

From the side, the 0 Saloon impresses with its double A-pillar and the absence of traditional side mirrors, which have been replaced with cameras. The side window line rises sharply toward the rear, forming a distinctive blocky design with a D-pillar. The overall wedge-shaped body evokes associations with iconic sports cars like Lamborghini. A lidar is mounted on the roof, and the wheel design has been optimized for reduced aerodynamic drag.
 

The rear of the 0 Saloon has a silhouette reminiscent of an MPV, with futuristic circular LED taillights featuring a 3D effect and a prominent diffuser that underscores the car's innovative character.

The interior is striking, with a panoramic LCD screen that integrates the digital instrument cluster, central touchscreen, passenger display, and rearview camera screens. The dashboard also includes a narrow display strip for essential information. The steer-by-wire system eliminates the physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. The seats feature a sporty profile with enhanced lateral support.

The 0 SUV concept, an evolved version of the 2024 Space Hub, looks more restrained and closer to a production model, with its launch expected in the first half of 2026. The front end of the SUV is characterized by a long hood, with headlights integrated into the grille panel alongside the brand's logo. The front bumper has a stepped design, adding dynamism to its appearance.

The 0 SUV's profile features a steeply raked windshield and a relatively low roofline. The body is painted in a two-tone color scheme, with the side window line rising toward the rear, forming a solid D-pillar. The expressive wheel arches and five-spoke low-resistance wheels highlight the modern style.

The rear of the 0 SUV stands out with a wide, flat rear window surrounded by U-shaped taillights. The English Honda logo is prominently displayed in the center. The rear bumper features a large diffuser, adding a sporty touch.

The interior of the 0 SUV largely mirrors the design of the sedan, featuring a panoramic LCD screen that combines the instrument cluster, central display, passenger display, and rearview camera screens.

There is little official information about the powertrain so far. It is known that the test prototype of the Zero series was equipped with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and electric motors producing 241 hp and 67 hp. The battery pack is a new thin lithium-ion design, providing an estimated range of around 480 km (298 miles) according to EPA standards.

ASIMO OS: When a Car Becomes a Companion

A real breakthrough is Honda's new ASIMO OS automotive operating system, which pays homage to the legendary ASIMO robot that debuted in 2000. This operating system will be the heart of the Honda Zero series models. Developers envision it not just as a set of functions but as an intelligent driving companion.

According to Honda's Vice President of Development, Stephen Frey, the advanced technology will be able to "perceive the environment just like a human driver" and make complex decisions in challenging situations. The system-on-chip (SoC) hardware platform is being developed in partnership with Renesas Electronics Corporation.

At the core of ASIMO OS lies Honda's in-house artificial intelligence development. The system will use numerous cameras, sensors, and advanced AI technologies to go beyond basic vehicle control. The car will continuously learn by analyzing its surroundings and passenger conditions, placing the driver at the center of this interaction.

Honda presents this as a relationship. The car will recognize the emotional state of passengers. If the driver appears worried, the vehicle will initiate a conversation to ease tension. The sense of happiness, reminiscent of memories with the ASIMO robot, allows the car’s intelligent system to share laughter and jokes. The more time spent together, the more the car learns about its owner. This can be perceived as both inspiring and slightly unsettling.

Additionally, Honda has introduced the Honda SENSING Elite system, which includes Level 3 autonomous driving (conditional autonomous driving where the driver can take their eyes off the road in certain conditions). For the Zero series, Honda plans to develop a specialized high-performance SoC using a multi-chip system that integrates Renesas R-Car X5 chips with an AI accelerator optimized with Honda’s proprietary software.

This high-performance SoC chip is expected to achieve 2000 TOPS3 (Sparse) computational power with an energy efficiency of 20 TOPS/W. These details open the door to implementing the most advanced autonomous driving features and will ensure the vehicle’s systems operate quickly and smoothly.

However, it is in Ohio that these cutting-edge technologies and futuristic designs are coming to life. Honda’s decision to base production of the radically new Zero electric vehicles in this state highlights the importance of the American market for the company and its commitment to localizing production. Investments in a new EV center in Ohio will not only create jobs but also serve as a catalyst for developing the electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem in the region.

Ohio’s selection as the production base for the Zero series is no coincidence. The state boasts a well-established automotive industry, a skilled workforce, and convenient logistics infrastructure. This will allow Honda to efficiently set up production and deliver the new EVs to customers on time.

The Honda Zero series is more than just a new line of electric vehicles. It is a manifesto of Honda's new era, where innovative technologies, sustainability, and driving pleasure come together harmoniously. The production of these vehicles in the U.S. marks an important step toward an electric future and strengthens Honda's position as a leader in the automotive industry. We eagerly await the moment when these futuristic machines hit roads worldwide. Without a doubt, Honda’s ambitious electrification plans embodied in the Zero series are a milestone that cannot be overlooked.