Honda Unveils Two New EVs That May Never Launch in Canada
Honda is taking advantage of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo this week to introduce another upcoming electric SUV. The company wants to make an industry-wide statement with its brand new, all-electric Honda 0 series. Styling can be described in many different ways, but one thing is clear: we’re a very long way from the current lineup of cars and SUVs.
The Honda 0 α (Alpha) concept expands the 0 series as a lower variant with a more urban character. According to Honda's press release, it was “developed as an SUV that will blend beautifully with both urban and natural environments, supporting people’s lives in every situation.”
- Also: Honda Reportedly Axes Large Electric SUV Planned for U.S., Canada
- Also: Honda Unveils 0 Saloon and 0 SUV Prototypes at CES 2025
You can see obvious similarities with the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV concepts that were unveiled at CES in Las Vegas last January. There are screen areas in both the front and rear ends of the vehicle. At the front, components that are conventionally separated—headlights, charging door, illuminated emblem—are integrated into the screen area. At the rear, the U-shaped lighting that combines the taillamps, reverse lamps and turn signals accentuates the contour of the rear screen area.
This electric SUV aims to offer adequate range and increased passenger space thanks to a slimmer battery design enabling a lower floor height—with the battery housed under the body. Engineers also intend to leverage the reduced weight of the battery to provide a driving experience closer to that of conventional vehicles.
For now, Honda is announcing an estimated range of 483 km with a full dose of electrons. We’re curious to see how fast the project develops considering the slower-than-anticipated global EV transition caused by a multitude of economic and geopolitical factors.
Honda says the production model of the Honda 0 α concept is scheduled to go on sales globally, mainly in Japan and India, starting in 2027. Will it come to North America? It's too early to tell, especially since it closely resembles the larger 0 SUV.
New Electric City Car We Won’t Have
The Honda booth at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show also features a cute little EV that packs quite a punch. Called Super-ONE, this high-performance variant of the Honda N-One is mainly about driving excitement.
Based on the ultra-lightweight platform of Honda's N-Series models, the Super-ONE promises agile and sporty handling in line with other small Honda cars. The wider tracks and flared wheel arches give it a squat appearance and increased stability in corners.
Designed to stimulate the driver’s senses, Boost Mode increases the power output to enable the power unit to fully unleash its performance potential, while also synchronizing the simulated 7-speed transmission and the Active Sound Control system to generate powerful engine sound and sharp gearshift feel, as if driving an ICE-powered vehicle with a traditional multi-gear transmission. This is pretty much what Hyundai has done with the IONIQ 5 N.
Sadly, the new zero-emission pocket rocket from Honda won't be sold in Canada. However, enthusiasts can hope to find a similar driving experience in the automaker’s future electric models. Imagine a fully electric Honda Civic Type R that offers the same zippy handling characteristics. How sweet would that be?