by Presentation and Positioning
This interesting off-roader is the Honda 0 α, which was presented at the Japan Mobility Show. The production model based on it will look very similar. Officially, Honda calls this vehicle a “prototype,” and it joins the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV models that were shown earlier this year.
Honda positions the 0 α (Alpha) as a “gateway model” for its 0 Series electric vehicle lineup. The production model will hit the market in 2027 and will be available in markets worldwide, with a special focus on Japan and India. It has a very similar design to the 0 SUV, but is slightly smaller. And, like the other two 0 Series models, it doesn’t resemble anything from Honda’s current model range.
Honda’s 0 Saloon EV Looks Like A Lambo Gallardo Sedan From The Future
Exterior and Design
The most obvious differences between the 0 α and the 0 SUV are noticeable at the front. This smaller model has different LED taillights and daytime running lights, but retains the illuminated Honda logo. The lower bumper has also been redesigned and looks a bit more aggressive thanks to a pair of body-colored elements.
From the side, the 0 α looks almost indistinguishable from the larger model. It retains the same unusual shape with an incredibly high rear window and thick rear pillars. It also has the same sills, the same basic doors, and the same flush door handles. The most obvious difference is that it is slightly shorter and lacks the tiny window behind the rear pillars found on the larger model.
The similarity continues at the rear. Honda equipped the 0 α with a U-shaped LED strip that extends across the tailgate. Notably, the 0 α has a larger rear window than the 0 SUV, which should improve rearward visibility. The curved bumper also attracts attention.
Technical Features
Honda has not yet disclosed any technical specifications for the new prototype. It is known that the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will share a platform with the Afeela electric vehicle, which Honda developed jointly with Sony. It is likely that the 0 α will also use the same architecture.
The automaker notes that the 0 α also adopts the same “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach as the other 0 Series models. Honda previously stated that this approach would lead to an “ultra-thin battery pack” and a compact e-Axle. The thin battery will allow Honda to lower the floor height in its electric vehicles and increase cabin space without affecting ground clearance.
Expected Specifications
Like the other 0 Series models, the 0 α is expected to hit the market with a range of at least 300 miles or 483 km. All 0 Series models are also expected to come to market with Level 3 autonomous driving features, which include an “eyes-off” function for highway traffic jams. It is also known that the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will have standard NACS charging ports, although it is unclear whether the 0 α will also be equipped with them, considering that Honda did not mention plans to sell it in North America.
The planned market launch in 2027 gives Honda enough time to finalize technologies and adapt to market demands. The focus on Japan and India may indicate a strategy to capture markets where electric vehicles are just gaining momentum, offering a product with unique design and advanced features. The success of this model could significantly impact the brand’s position in the global electric race.
