Honda 0 α prototype debuts: The EV that could define Honda’s next chapter

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda’s electric future just got a little clearer. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the carmaker pulled the covers off the Honda 0 α (Alpha) the third model under its new Honda 0 Series after the Saloon and SUV that debuted at CES earlier this year.

This one, however, feels more grounded. Honda calls it the “gateway model” — the entry point into its new EV generation — and from the looks of it, this could be the one built for everyone else.

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Honda says the 0 α was designed to blend seamlessly between city streets and natural backdrops, which sums up its character perfectly. It’s got that upright SUV confidence, but with a low, clean stance that gives it a futuristic yet friendly vibe.

The design follows Honda’s new “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach — a philosophy aimed at making EVs more efficient, lighter, and smarter in both packaging and tech. The result is a car that looks sleek from every angle yet promises a spacious cabin and proper ground clearance — something SUVs can’t afford to compromise.

What stands out most in person is the detailing. Instead of traditional headlamps and a grille, the front end is an integrated screen-like panel housing the headlights, charging port lid, and even the illuminated Honda badge.

At the rear, the styling continues with a U-shaped light bar that wraps neatly across the tailgate, combining brake, reverse, and signal lights into one clean contour. It’s unmistakably Honda — futuristic, but not trying too hard.

Launching in 2027 — Starting with Asia

The Honda 0 α is set to go on sale globally from 2027, with Japan and India among the first markets. No details yet on powertrain or battery capacity, but as the “gateway” to the 0 Series lineup, it’s safe to expect a balance between performance, practicality, and affordability.

If the Saloon and SUV were built to make headlines, the Alpha seems built to move metal — a mass-market EV that feels right at home in the everyday world. And judging by Honda’s track record, this could very well be the EV that reconnects the brand with a new generation of buyers across Asia.

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