By Deji Osas
Honda is preparing to turn a new page in its electric vehicle journey with the launch of a boldly designed electric SUV built on an all-new, in-house platform. Production of the upcoming Honda 0 Series SUV is scheduled to begin at the company’s Ohio manufacturing hub in the latter part of 2026.
The move marks a decisive shift for Honda, whose EV strategy in the U.S. has so far been uneven. Its most recent electric offerings — the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX — were developed alongside General Motors and shared the same underpinnings as the Chevrolet Blazer EV. While that partnership allowed Honda to enter the EV space quickly, the automaker is now aiming for full independence.
To make that happen, Honda is investing tens of billions of dollars into a proprietary electrical and electronic architecture designed from the ground up. This new foundation is meant to support advanced software, artificial intelligence, over-the-air updates, and next-generation manufacturing techniques — setting the stage for Honda’s long-term electric future.
One of the first vehicles to emerge from this effort is the Honda 0 Series SUV, a sharply styled crossover expected to compete directly with popular electric models such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Cadillac Optiq.
A brand-new EV foundation
Honda describes its new EV platform using three guiding principles: “Thin, Light, and Wise.” Vehicles built on this architecture are designed to sit lower, weigh less, and deliver significantly more computing power than Honda’s previous models.
Slim battery packs will be mounted under the floor to reduce overall vehicle height, while megacasting techniques and advanced materials help cut weight. The “Wise” element refers to Honda’s next-generation software ecosystem, anchored by a new operating system known as Asimo OS — a nod to the company’s iconic humanoid robot.
Developed using a custom system-on-a-chip created with Renesas Electronics, Asimo OS enables AI-driven infotainment, prepares the vehicle for lidar integration, and lays the groundwork for Level 3 driver-assistance technology, where hands-free and eyes-off driving becomes possible under certain conditions. Additional features tied to the platform include steer-by-wire technology, structural battery packs, and air suspension.
Honda has also confirmed that the platform is capable of supporting 800-volt battery systems, which would allow for faster charging compared to 400-volt architectures used by many current EVs. However, the company has yet to confirm whether the first production models will launch with 800V or 400V systems.
Interior tech and design direction
Prototype versions of the 0 Series SUV reveal a futuristic cabin layout. Early test vehicles feature a yoke-style steering wheel, sculpted light-coloured seats, a sweeping panoramic glass roof, and a full-width digital display stretching across the front of the cabin. Traditional dashboards are gone, replaced by a clean, screen-focused interface.
At the rear, the SUV adopts a sloped, kammback-inspired design to improve aerodynamic efficiency. While rear visibility may be compromised slightly, early impressions suggest a spacious cargo area that should appeal to families and long-distance drivers alike.
An AI-powered virtual assistant is expected to be standard, running on Asimo OS, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be supported. How these familiar smartphone systems integrate into Honda’s ultra-modern display setup remains to be seen.
Performance and powertrain options
Honda plans to offer two versions of its newly developed electric drive unit. One produces 241 horsepower (180 kW), while a smaller 67-horsepower (50 kW) motor is likely to be used for dual-motor configurations. When equipped with high-output motors on both axles, the SUV could deliver a combined output of up to 482 horsepower.
While official range figures have not been released, the advanced platform and battery technology suggest Honda is targeting competitive driving distances in line with leading rivals.
Size, rivals, and market positioning
Exact exterior dimensions have not yet been disclosed, but Honda insiders suggest the 0 Series SUV will fall into the same general size category as the Tesla Model Y. Early test vehicles used CR-V-sized bodies, though the modular platform allows Honda to easily adjust wheelbase and proportions before final production.
Pricing and release timeline
Manufacturing of the Honda 0 Series SUV will begin at Honda’s Ohio EV hub, following the launch of the Acura RSX electric crossover and ahead of the Honda 0 Series Saloon, which has been pushed back to 2027.
Honda has not announced official pricing, but it has confirmed that the SUV will cost less than the upcoming 0 Series Saloon. Industry estimates suggest a starting price above $50,000, positioning it above the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and roughly in line with higher-end versions of the Tesla Model Y.
With its new platform, ambitious software strategy, and bold design language, the Honda 0 Series SUV signals a clear message: Honda is no longer easing into the electric era — it’s committing to it fully.
