What Was the Honda 0 Series? Honda’s EV Plans: What Drivers Should Know

If you’ve been following Honda’s electric vehicle plans, you’ve likely heard of the Honda 0 Series — a next-generation EV lineup that generated significant buzz after its debut at CES 2025. However, on March 12, 2026, Honda officially announced the cancellation of the 0 Series SUV, the 0 Saloon, and the Acura RSX — three EVs that were months away from production. At Napleton Honda of Morton Grove, we want to make sure our customers have the full picture: what the Honda 0 Series was, why it was cancelled, and what Honda’s electric vehicle direction looks like going forward.

What Was the Honda 0 Series?

The Honda 0 Series was Honda’s most ambitious EV program to date — a ground-up, dedicated electric vehicle platform developed entirely in-house, with two initial models unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

Both models were built around Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” design philosophy — a response to the common criticism that EVs are heavy and bulky. The 0 Series platform used thinner, high-density battery packs and smaller e-axles to reduce weight while maximizing interior space.

The 0 Series also introduced ASIMO OS — Honda’s proprietary vehicle operating system named after its iconic humanoid robot. The system was designed to power over-the-air updates, advanced driver-assistance features, and eventually Level 3 hands-off automated driving capability. Production of both models was set to begin at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio facility, which had already been retooled for EV manufacturing.

Why Did Honda Cancel the 0 Series?

Honda was direct in its announcement, citing several compounding factors that made launching the 0 Series financially untenable:

• Declining EV demand in the U.S. The elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in late 2025 and the easing of fossil fuel regulations significantly reduced consumer incentive to purchase electric vehicles.
• U.S. tariff impact New tariff policies negatively affected the profitability of Honda’s existing gas and hybrid vehicle business, putting the entire company under financial pressure at the time the 0 Series was nearing production.
• Intensifying competition in Asia Honda cited a decline in its competitiveness in China, where rapidly advancing EV manufacturers were offering more software-driven, feature-rich vehicles at lower price points.
• Long-term loss projection Honda concluded that launching three EVs into a contracting market would compound losses rather than reverse them — making cancellation the more financially responsible path.

The financial impact was significant. Honda now expects to record an operating loss for the fiscal year ending March 2026 — its first annual loss in nearly 70 years — with total losses from the cancellation and write-offs reaching up to $15.7 billion USD.

What Does This Mean for Honda’s EV Direction?

The cancellation of the 0 Series does not mean Honda is abandoning electrification. Honda has been clear that it remains committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and continues to expand its hybrid and electric offerings.

Honda’s Current Electrified Lineup at Napleton Honda of Morton Grove

While the 0 Series will not be coming to market, Honda’s current electrified lineup still offers strong options for Chicagoland drivers looking for efficiency, technology, and Honda reliability:

• 2026 Honda Prologue All-Electric SUV  ·  308-mi EPA range  ·  From $47,400
• 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid 43 city / 36 hwy mpg  ·  From $35,630
• 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid 46 city / 41 hwy mpg  ·  From $33,795
• 2026 Honda Civic Sedan Hybrid 50 city / 47 hwy mpg  ·  From $29,395
• 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid 50 city / 45 hwy mpg  ·  From $30,595