But Honda wants to change that with the 0 Series. By incorporating AI technology into their vehicles, Honda aims to provide a more personalized and interactive driving experience for customers. Imagine a car that knows your favorite color, your friends’ names, and can even sense your mood. This level of customization and care is unprecedented in the automotive industry.
At CES 2025, AI was a dominant theme across various industries, including automotive. Honda showcased their vision for the future with the 0 Series Saloon and SUV, which are set to hit production in 2026. These electric vehicles not only represent Honda’s commitment to sustainability but also their ambition to lead in the realm of mobility technology.
According to Katsushi Inoue, a Honda electrification executive, the 0 Series will offer “ultra-personal optimization” by focusing on the customer and enhancing every aspect of the driving experience. Similar to a smartphone, these vehicles will continue to evolve and improve even after purchase, becoming more personalized with each use.
With AI as the driving force behind this innovation, Honda is looking to redefine the relationship between drivers and their vehicles. The integration of AI technology will enable the 0 Series to adapt to the driver’s preferences, anticipate their needs, and provide a level of convenience and comfort that was previously unimaginable.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Honda’s forward-thinking approach to AI-powered vehicles sets them apart as a pioneer in this space. The future of driving looks bright with the promise of intelligent, personalized vehicles that truly understand and cater to the needs of their drivers.
With AI, Honda envisions a seamless experience where your car knows exactly where to take you to charge up, based on your needs and preferences. This could save EV owners a lot of time and frustration, ensuring that they always find a reliable and efficient charging station without any hassle.
Furthermore, Honda plans to integrate subscription services into the charging process. This means that while your car is charging, you could potentially subscribe to entertainment services, productivity tools, or even order food or groceries to be delivered to your car while you wait. The possibilities are endless, and Honda sees AI as the key to unlocking this potential.
Enhancing the Driving Experience
Aside from charging, Honda also believes that AI can greatly enhance the overall driving experience. By learning your preferences and habits, the AI personal assistant in your car can make suggestions for music, navigation, climate control, and more. It can even anticipate your needs and adjust settings accordingly, creating a truly personalized driving experience.
Imagine a car that knows when you’re stressed and plays calming music, or a car that suggests a more scenic route because it knows you enjoy nature. These small touches can make a big difference in how you feel while driving, turning your car into a sanctuary where you can relax and unwind.
Overall, Honda’s vision for AI in EVs goes beyond just making cars smarter. It’s about creating a seamless and personalized experience for drivers, where every aspect of the journey is tailored to their needs and preferences. With AI at the helm, the future of EV ownership looks brighter than ever.
With the integration of Amazon Web Services generative AI and related technologies into the Honda intelligent technology, the future 0 Series Honda will revolutionize the driving experience. By analyzing data from the extensive charging network, including the Tesla Supercharger Network and the Ionna network, Honda aims to provide a personalized charging experience for each individual. This will include finding charging facilities and simplifying payment processes, making public charging more convenient for users.
Autonomous Driving
Photo by: Honda
The 0 Series Honda cars will feature Level 3 automated driving assistance, allowing the human driver to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road while still being prepared to intervene if necessary. This level of autonomous driving is currently only offered by a few vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS EV in specific regions. Honda was among the first to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving in Japan with the Legend sedan in 2021, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and advanced technology.
AI will play a crucial role in enhancing the autonomous driving capabilities of the 0 Series Honda cars. By continuously learning and adapting to various driving scenarios, AI technology will enable the vehicles to make informed decisions on the road, ensuring a safe and efficient driving experience for users. The integration of AI into the driving systems will allow the cars to navigate complex situations and unexpected challenges with ease, providing a level of convenience and safety that was previously unimaginable.
Photo by: Honda
Honda 0 Series Saloon Driving
With AI technology at the core of the 0 Series Honda cars, drivers can expect a new level of sophistication and intelligence in their vehicles. The future of driving is here, and it’s powered by AI.
Honda is making bold claims about its new 0 Series, set to launch in 2026, with advanced AI capabilities that can recognize and understand its surroundings autonomously. Some examples Honda provided include the ability to identify different types of trees along a road, navigate through crowded city streets while avoiding bicyclists and motorcyclists, auto-braking in response to sudden lane changes by other vehicles, and detecting and avoiding obstacles like a burst tire on the road.
Steve Frey, Vice President for Development Operations at Honda’s North American development center, emphasized the strength of their technology in responding appropriately to irregular situations. He stated that the AI system was designed to handle all potential scenarios in traffic environments where unexpected events can occur.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Honda has partnered with the Japanese tech company Renesas to develop a specialized “system on a chip” (SoC) tailored specifically for the 0 Series project. This high-performance SoC is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AI software, enabling functions like autonomous driving, dynamics, and energy management to run on a single chip.
While these promises sound impressive, the question remains: can Honda deliver on its ambitious vision, and do consumers actually want this level of automation in their vehicles? CES, where Honda made these announcements, is known for grand promises, but transforming into a tech-focused company represents a significant shift for the automaker. Previous attempts by traditional automakers and newcomers to enter the tech space have encountered challenges, leading to product delays or incomplete deliveries.
As Honda embarks on this new venture, there is a sense of cautious optimism tempered by the realization that the promises of AI in the automotive industry have largely remained conceptual thus far. The launch of the 0 Series in 2026 will be a pivotal moment for Honda, marking its entry into the rapidly evolving landscape of automated driving technology. With the release date approaching, all eyes will be on Honda to see if they can deliver on their bold promises and set a new standard for AI-driven vehicles. The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, and Honda is at the forefront of this transformation. With the introduction of AI technology in cars, the possibilities for innovation are endless. We can expect to see Honda pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI in their vehicles.
One thing is for certain: the AI-in-car wars are just getting started. As more and more manufacturers integrate artificial intelligence into their vehicles, competition will only intensify. Honda is poised to deliver cutting-edge AI technology that will revolutionize the driving experience.
AI will play a crucial role in enhancing safety, convenience, and efficiency on the road. From autonomous driving features to personalized in-car experiences, the potential for AI in cars is limitless. Honda is undoubtedly working on groundbreaking AI solutions that will set them apart from the competition.
As we eagerly anticipate what Honda has in store for us, one thing is clear: the future of driving will be driven by AI. The possibilities are endless, and Honda is leading the charge in this exciting new frontier. Stay tuned to see what Honda can deliver, and brace yourself for the next chapter in the AI-in-car wars.
For more information and updates on Honda’s AI developments, you can contact the author at patrick.george@insideevs.com. The future of driving is here, and Honda is at the forefront of innovation. Get ready to experience the next generation of AI-powered vehicles.