At CES earlier this year, Honda revealed two bold concepts under the 0 Series moniker. These two vehicles were our first look at two of Honda’s in-house developed EVs that will eventually land in the US. One was a dramatic, low, four-door car with angles so sharp that it could wear a Lamborghini badge. The other was a more conventional-looking SUV, but one with a funky, boxy body and distinct cues such as the thick rear pillars and horseshoe-shaped taillights.
Honda has been fairly quiet about the two since, but at the Japan Mobility Show, we’re getting another look at the SUV. It’s not the 0 Series you know, however. This is a third model, built for customers in Japan and India. For now, it’s still a prototype.
This new example of the 0 Series SUV also has a slightly different name. It’s called the Honda 0 α Prototype. For those less familiar with Greek, that translates to Honda 0 Alpha. We really don’t have any explanation for that addition, but we do for “Prototype.” Over the last decade or so, Honda has denoted concept cars that showcase production styling as a prototype.
What’s impressive is how much this prototype looks like the initial concept. It still has the black mask with hidden daytime running lights and illuminated badge, the huge rear pillars, fat contrasting fenders, and the distinct taillights. Taking a quick glance between this and the old concept, and you’d swear they were the same vehicle. That’s not the case, though.
Closer examination reveals some significant differences. To start with, the windshield is much more upright, and the roofline is slightly flatter. Similarly, the front and rear have been shortened and made a bit more upright. These changes likely help make the interior more practical, and cut down on the overall length.
We feel they complement the boxy shape more, too. Additionally, Honda seems to have made the rear door openings a bit larger, and as a result, it had to remove the little quarter windows between the door glass and the rear pillars. The lighting is a bit different, too, mainly with the headlights. The running lights now wrap around the top, and Honda says there’s some sort of screen embedded in the front.
Frustratingly, Honda hasn’t said anything else about what to expect for the production model. We know it will be electric, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it offers single- and dual-motor powertrain layouts like most other EVs. Whether it uses NACS charging or bidirectional charging like the 0 Series planned for the US remains to be seen.
Speaking of the other 0 Series, those production models are on-track to be built in Ohio next year. This Honda 0 α will be built in India and aimed primarily at the Indian market. The company says it should arrive in 2027, but we doubt it will ever make it to the states, at least while tariffs are still a thing.
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Your comment has not been saved
This thread is open for discussion.
Be the first to post your thoughts.
