Honda has canceled three EVs slated for U.S. production: the Honda 0 Series Saloon, 0 Series SUV, and the Acura RSX.
What Could Have Been
Honda revealed the 0 Series Saloon and SUV at the CES consumer electronics show in 2025. This new lineup of electric cars was supposed to feature self-driving technology and utilize AI assistance. The Saloon was an odd, wedge-shaped sedan that looked more like a station wagon, while the SUV looked more like an angular, futuristic model. The SUV was supposed to be released first, with the Saloon following in 2026.
Acura’s 2026 RSX was supposed to be a midsize luxury all-electric SUV with coupe-like design that paid homage to the coupe of the same name from the aughts. The new RSX was revealed last August and would have featured the same Asimo operating system found in the 0 Series.
The Reasoning
“Honda determined that starting production and sales of these three models in the current business environment, where the demand for EVs is declining significantly, would likely result in further losses over the long term,” the automaker said in a news release. The total financial loss is estimated at $15.8 billion, according to industry publication Automotive News.
“In the U.S., the expansion of the EV market has slowed down due to several factors, including the easing of fossil fuel regulations and revisions to EV incentives,” Honda said in its news release. The company blamed “its inability to respond flexibly to these changes in the business environment.”
Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe and Executive Vice President Noriya Kaihara will forfeit 30% of their pay for three months, while other top executives will take a 20% pay cut for the same period.
The future at Honda looks less electric as it focuses on something more familiar. Automotive News reports that Honda is zeroing in on a new hybrid powertrain and automated driving system instead of the 0 series.
