Honda’s Zero prototypes, the Saloon and SUV, unveiled at CES, represent a bold departure from conventional EV design, embracing a futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of iconic vehicles from the 70s and 80s. This audacious design language, drawing inspiration from cars like the Lamborghini Countach and AMC Gremlin, serves as a counterpoint to the minimalist, software-defined interiors of these vehicles. Honda appears to be leveraging these striking exteriors to draw attention to its newly developed in-house operating system, named after its famed Asimo robot, signaling a strategic shift towards software as a core product offering. The Zero EVs, therefore, function as eye-catching platforms showcasing Honda’s technological advancements, rather than solely focusing on conventional automotive expectations.
The Honda 0 Saloon stands out with its distinctive lack of a rear window, replaced by a deep, non-transparent taillight panel, creating a unique visual effect. Sideview mirrors are also absent, replaced by cameras feeding into screens embedded within the dashboard, although this feature may not comply with US safety regulations. The interior is strikingly minimalist, devoid of physical buttons and dials, further highlighting Honda’s emphasis on software-driven functionality. This focus on digital interfaces, while modern, raises practical concerns about usability and driver distraction, particularly when adjusting settings while driving.
The Honda 0 SUV, while still futuristic, appears more grounded than the Saloon, suggesting a higher likelihood of production for the US market. Its design incorporates a traditional rear window and a more conventional greenhouse, embodying Honda Zero’s design principles of “thin, light, and wise.” Both vehicles are expected to leverage Honda’s Formula 1 racing experience, particularly in terms of battery efficiency and performance. The e-Axle system, combining motor, inverter, and gearbox, aims to optimize energy conversion for driving, targeting a range of around 300 miles, suggesting an 80–90kWh battery.
Honda’s strategy of consolidating electronic control units, similar to Rivian’s approach, reflects a cost-conscious approach to production in a challenging economic climate. This streamlining of components and wiring aims to mitigate rising production expenses while enhancing overall efficiency. However, the radical minimalism of the interior, featuring a complete absence of physical controls, poses significant ergonomic challenges. Operating essential functions, like climate control, through a touchscreen interface while driving raises concerns about safety and driver distraction.
The yoke-style steering wheel, a recurring trend in concept cars, remains a questionable design choice for production vehicles, and its practicality in everyday driving scenarios is yet to be proven. The panoramic moonroof reinforces the “thin” design principle, enhancing the sense of spaciousness within the cabin. Honda’s ambitious claim of Level 3 autonomy, enabling “hands-off, eyes-off” driving, requires further clarification, especially regarding the handoff process between the autonomous system and the driver and addressing the potential for driver disengagement.
The future of Honda’s Zero prototypes remains uncertain. While their radical design and software-centric approach represent a bold vision for the future of EVs, several practical considerations, including regulatory compliance, user experience, and the feasibility of Level 3 autonomy, need to be addressed before they can transition from concept to reality. The market reception to such unconventional designs is another unknown, and whether these vehicles will resonate with consumers remains a crucial question. Nevertheless, the Zero prototypes serve as a compelling demonstration of Honda’s technological ambitions and its willingness to explore unconventional design paradigms in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
