Honda Motor Co. is poised to transform India into a global manufacturing hub for its new electric SUV, the Honda 0 α (Alpha). The production-ready version is slated to launch in India in 2027 and will be manufactured at Honda's plant in Alwar, Rajasthan. This move underscores India's increasing significance in the global electric vehicle (EV) market.
The Honda 0 α was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 as a prototype, marking the entry point to Honda's 0 Series of EVs. The 0 Series also includes the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV. The company plans to launch all three 0 Series models in Japan before the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028.
Toshihiro Mibe, President and Global CEO of Honda Motor Co., has stated that this launch will further the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and zero traffic collision fatalities worldwide by 2050. The 'Honda 0 Series' aims to redefine EVs by returning to original ideas, with the α model serving as an accessible entry point.
Takashi Nakajima, MD and CEO of Honda India, emphasized India's importance as one of the top three markets for the company globally in terms of corporate focus and investments. While acknowledging that Honda's business scale in India is currently smaller compared to the US or Japan, Nakajima affirmed that its future ambitions are substantial. He also hinted at imminent progress in expanding the product lineup in India.
The Honda 0 α has been developed keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian and Japanese markets, along with other Asian countries. The design philosophy for the new EVs is 'Thin, Light, and Wise' and are built on a dedicated electric platform. The Honda 0 α concept is considered close to the production model, suggesting that most of its design elements will be retained. The design includes an upright stance, a black grille with an LED strip and illuminated Honda logo, sharply raked front and rear windscreens, U-shaped taillamps, and aero-designed 19-inch alloy wheels.
Upon its launch in India, the Honda 0 α is expected to compete with the Maruti e Vitara, Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, and Tata Curvv EV. The estimated price for the Honda EV is between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. While official powertrain details are yet to be revealed, the model is likely to come with multiple battery pack options ranging between 65kWh – 75kWh and may initially be offered with a single electric motor and FWD configuration.
Honda's decision to manufacture the 0 α in India highlights the country's growing importance in the global EV market. As one of the world's largest automotive markets, India presents a significant opportunity for Honda to establish a strong presence in the electric vehicle segment.
