Honda has started road testing the production version of its 0 Alpha electric SUV in India, marking a key step toward local manufacturing as the company expands its electric vehicle strategy in the region.
The first test vehicle was flagged off from Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, with senior executives including Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO of Honda Cars India, and Toshikazu Hirose, Chief Engineer for the project, attending the event.
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Despite heavy camouflage, the prototype closely resembles the 0 Alpha concept unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, suggesting the production model will retain much of the original design.
Honda said the vehicle will undergo extensive testing across diverse Indian conditions, including urban environments, highways, and rough terrain. The programme will evaluate handling, ride comfort, energy efficiency, charging performance, durability, and reliability under extreme heat and monsoon conditions.
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“India has unique driving and climate conditions, and it is important for us to test our electric vehicle thoroughly in real-world environments,” said Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO of Honda Cars India.
The company recently confirmed plans to begin manufacturing its first electric vehicle in India at the Tapukara facility, with production expected to start in late 2026. According to local officials, Honda is investing around 12 billion rupees (approximately €113 million) in the project.
While Honda has not disclosed detailed specifications, the 0 Alpha is expected to compete in India’s mid-size electric SUV segment against models such as Maruti Suzuki’s e Vitara, Toyota’s Urban Cruiser Ebella, Hyundai’s Creta Electric, and Mahindra & Mahindra’s BE 6.
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At the Tokyo show, Honda indicated that the model would feature a wheelbase of around 2,700–2,800 mm and offer two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options. The company also plans to source battery cells from CATL’s facility in Indonesia.
The 0 Alpha is set to become the first production model from Honda’s “0 Series” electric vehicle lineup, following the cancellation of earlier concepts in the range.
Honda aims to launch the production version in India in the first quarter of 2027, with additional rollouts planned in Japan and other Asian markets including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Indian plant will serve as a production hub for these regions.
Source: rajasthan.gov, aninews.in, autocarindia.com, financialexpress.com