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

LAS VEGAS — Honda Motor on Tuesday on the CES tech convention revealed the corporate’s latest electrical autos which are set to be produced at a multibillion-dollar manufacturing complicated in central Ohio.

The autos are the Honda 0 Saloon, which is an up to date model of an idea automotive revealed final yr at CES, and the Honda 0 SUV. Each “0 Sequence” autos are prototypes, which implies they’re meant for buyer manufacturing however might nonetheless see some adjustments forward.

Honda stated manufacturing fashions based mostly on each prototypes are anticipated to launch in North America in 2026, beginning with the SUV after which the Saloon. The automaker declined to launch particular particulars concerning the new EVs akin to anticipated pricing, vary and efficiency.

The exteriors of the autos are noticeably completely different than Honda’s present fashions, that includes smooth, future-esque designs. Honda stated the brand new 0 Sequence autos are being developed with three core ideas in thoughts: “Skinny, gentle and smart.”

Lance Woelfer, vp of American Honda Motor car gross sales, stated the automaker took suggestions from the autos it revealed final yr for the brand new fashions.

“That is the rationale we do it, is it offers us a chance to get some enter and suggestions from the group,” he advised CNBC. “It gave us extra confidence.”

Honda on Tuesday additionally introduced a brand new car working system for the Honda 0 Sequence autos referred to as “Asimo OS” that the corporate stated will supply extremely automated driving applied sciences akin to hands-free driving.

The title Asimo is in reference to a Honda humanoid robotic that the automaker first launched greater than 20 years in the past at CES.

Honda is planning to put in Asimo OS in all Honda 0 Sequence fashions, together with manufacturing fashions of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon.

It is unclear how the introduced plans for a merger between Honda and fellow Japanese automaker Nissan Motor might influence any of the corporate’s product plans.

The 0 Sequence EVs from Honda have been revealed a day after the corporate’s tie-up with Sony, referred to as Afeela, unveiled its first EV mannequin. The automotive, referred to as AFEELA 1, is anticipated to go on sale in California this yr, adopted by deliveries in 2026.

California is the nation’s largest EV market, the place automakers have routinely launched such fashions first to help gross sales and meet the state’s strict gas economic system and emissions requirements.

The corporate stated the AFEELA 1 sedan will probably be obtainable in two trims, with costs ranging from $89,900.