Skip to main content

Honda unveils two new ‘Honda 0’ EV concepts

These Honda EV concepts are wild

Honda 0 Space-Hub concept EV left rear three-quarter view parked inside a gleaming floor with a wooden wall on the right side and a wall of glass on the left.
Honda / Honda

Honda revealed two evocative EV concept models at CES 2024. The Honda O (zero) Series Saloon and Space-Hub represent Honda’s design principles and engineering goals for its next-generation electrified vehicles. The  Saloon and Space-Hub aren’t production models that will be available for purchase anytime soon, if ever. The O Series EVs do not include the recently introduced 2024 Honda Prologue EV. The concept vehicles indicate the company’s direction for future EVs.

In addition to the O Series EV concept models, Honda also unveiled a new H-mark logo to represent the outstretched hands of the global EV series. Honda says the next-gen EV series will launch in 2026, starting with a production version of the Saloon.

Honda 0 Saloon concept EV left side direct image against a concrete slab wall.
Honda / Honda

Why Honda’s concept vehicles matter

Automaker concept models allow designers to show off their skills and allow customers and dealers to provide feedback that can help shape the production models. If dealers and customers aren’t enthusiastic about a new design, car makers return to their CAD studios. Because of Honda’s lukewarm participation in battery-electric vehicles, introducing dramatically-styled concepts with clearly stated design and engineering goals is brilliant.

Recommended Videos

Global CEO Toshihiro Mibe presented Honda’s EV development philosophy this way:

“We will create a completely new value from zero based on thin, light, and wise as the foundation for our new Honda 0 EV series to further advance the joy and freedom of mobility to the next level.”

Honda's new H-mark for EVs shown as a white H against a gradient blue background.
Honda’s H-mark for new EVs symbolizes outstretched hands. Honda / Honda

Honda O Series development directions and themes

Honda introduced a list of design priorities, directions, and themes for the coming O Series EVs:

  • A new engineering approach called M/M (man maximum/machine minimum)
  • The Art of Resonance for environment, society, and users via sustainable materials and design that evoke emotional response
  • Next-gen automated driving (AD) features based on human-centric safety with
    • More hands-off features
    • Increased AD for highways and surface streets
  • Connected technologies for “last mile” guidance and assistance
  • Drawing on Honda’s F1 racing experience for aerodynamic design
  • e-Axles for greater power and efficiency
  • High-density batteries to maximize range and minimize size
  • Battery charging goals by the late 2020s:
    • Charging from 15% to 80% in 10-15 minutes
    • Battery capacity degradation of less than 10% after ten years of use

Honda’s EV flagship, the Saloon

The first Honda O Series in North America is the Saloon, a sedan with a swooping-looking aerodynamic style. The Saloon design will have a man maximum/machine minimum (M/M) structure with a low, wide exterior and a spacious, comfortable interior.

The Saloon driver will control the vehicle with what Honda describes as a “simple and intuitive” human-machine interface (HMI). The Saloon will have steering by wire, multiple motion control management systems, and driver posture control to enhance the “joy of driving.” We can look forward to that joy starting in 2026.

The Space-Hub EV concept vehicle

Honda didn’t mention a release date for the second O Series EV concept. The Space-Hub, which Honda is based on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach. The concept model has a center flex space with wraparound seating that serves as a” ‘hub’ that connects people and the outside world.”

From the photos, the Space-Hub appears more like a stretch minivan party machine than a transport for sweaty soccer players with muddy cleats. The Space-Hub also looks like a lively candidate for van-life conversion. Honda may never have a production vehicle resembling the Space-Hub, but it draws attention and inspires reaction as a concept model.

Bruce Brown
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…
The new De Tomaso P72 hypercar is a brilliant mix of modern tech and retro soul
De Tomaso P72 hypercar debuts
the de tomaso p72 hypercar is a brilliant mix of modern tech and retro soul production specification exterior 05 e17473187211

The P72 draws inspiration from the fabulous 1965 De Tomaso P70, a fantastic collaboration between Alejandro De Tomaso and the iconic Carroll Shelby. It captures the vibe of a time when cars were designed with heart and soul, not just data. With its smooth curves and classic analog feel, the P72 is a throwback to the 1960s, a time when cars were artistic expressions and driving was all about passion. First shown off as a concept at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the P72 is now ready to hit the road in its final, jaw-dropping form.

At the heart of the P72 is a brand-new carbon fiber chassis, carefully woven in a striking 4x4 twill pattern. This chassis extends from the center monocoque to the front and rear, and what’s really impressive is that it’s made from a single piece of carbon fiber—no glued-on sections. This not only makes the car stronger and lighter but also sets a high standard for quality.

Read more
CarMax searches for EVs have doubled since 2022 — here’s what buyers are choosing
Electric Vehicles searches double on carmax since 2022
ChargePoint Home Flex EV charging station charging a white Tesla in a garage.

Mainstream interest in EV ownership continues to gain momentum. As the market grows, consumers are enjoying a wider selection of models. With favorable price points and steadily improving infrastructure, the electric dream is fast becoming a reality. In fact, from January 2022 to February 2025, average used EV prices at CarMax fell by more than 40%, while non-electric vehicle average prices dropped by 12% (this includes internal combustion engine cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids at CarMax).
The updated electric vehicle consumer report reveals the latest CarMax shopping data and consumer habits. They looked at consumer interest in used EVs, including the most popular EV models, which vehicles were most frequently traded in for an EV, and which states saw an uptick in EV sales.
 

CarMax Data Key Highlights:

Read more
Maserati moves production of two key vehicles back to Modena
The GranTurismo and GranCabrio
Maserati GranCabrio

Italian sports car manufacturer Maserati is shifting production of two of its most iconic models back to its hometown Modena factory. Both the GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges will be built at the “Motor Valley” plant by the end of this year.

So far, the current generation of Maserati’s grand tourer has graced the production lines at the Mirafiori factory near Turin. The last Modena-built GranTurismo, the GranTurismo Zeda, rolled off the production line in 2019. However, some elements of the current Maserati GranTurismo do trace back to the version produced in 2018.

Read more