Honda reveals two new ‘0 Series’ EVs to be produced in Ohio

LAS VEGAS- Honda Motors On Tuesday at the technology conference CES revealed the company’s newest electric vehicles that were produced in a multi-billion dollar manufacturing complex in central Ohio.

The vehicles are the Honda 0 Saloon, which is a updated version of a concept car revealed last year at CES, and the Honda 0 SUV. Both “Series 0” vehicles are prototypes, which means they are intended for customer production, but they could still see some changes going forward.

Honda said production models based on both prototypes are expected launch in North America in 2026, starting with the SUV and then the Saloon. The automaker declined to release specific details about the new EVs, such as expected pricing, range and performance.

The exteriors of the vehicles are noticeably different from Honda’s current models, with sleek and futuristic designs. Honda said the new 0 Series vehicles were developed with three core principles in mind: “Thin, light and smart.”

Lance Woelfer, vice president of American Honda Motor sales, said the manufacturer took feedback from the vehicles it revealed last year for the new models.

“That’s the reason we’re doing it, is it gives us an opportunity to get some input and feedback from the community,” he told CNBC. “It gave us more confidence.”

Honda on Tuesday also announced a new vehicle operating system for Honda 0 Series vehicles called “Asimo OS” which the company said offers highly automated driving technologies such as hands-free driving.

The name Asimo is in reference to a Honda humanoid robot that the car manufacturer first introduced over 20 years ago at CES.

Honda plans to install Asimo OS on all Honda 0 Series models, including the production Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon models.

It is not clear how announced plans for a merger between Honda and its Japanese partner Nissan Motor it could have an impact on any of the company’s product plans.

The 0 Series EVs from Honda were revealed a day after the company links with Sonycalled Afeela, presented its first EV model. The car, called AFEELA 1, is expected to go on sale in California this year, followed by deliveries in 2026.

California is the country’s largest EV market, where automakers regularly launch such models early to help sales and meet the state’s strict fuel and emissions standards.

The company said the AFEELA 1 sedan will be available in two trims, with prices starting at $89,900.