Honda 0 α SUV begins India test run

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) has flagged the pan-India test run of its upcoming electric SUV. The prototype model goes by the name Honda 0 α. It was officially unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show last year. The test run marks the official start of its Public Road Verification testing in India. Honda is planning to launch the electric SUV in FY2026–27.

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Honda 0 α: Here’s what we know so far

The testing programme for the Honda 0 α will evaluate it across a wide range of Indian driving conditions, including highways, city roads, and challenging terrains. The automaker will focus on key areas like durability, handling, ride comfort, efficiency, and overall reliability. The testing phase will take into account extreme weather conditions – be it heat or monsoon. The charging performance of the EV across different types of charging infrastructure will be evaluated to ensure everyday usability.

The Honda 0 α follows the automaker’s ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ design language. The prototype model features a shut-off grille up front with an illuminated Honda logo in the middle. This grille is incorporated with sleek and minimal LED headlamps and DRLs. It houses a cutout for the charging port as well. The profile of the electric SUV reveals 19-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels. It has a boxy look, complete with a sharp, almost vertical tailgate. The U-shaped lighting element at the back combines tail lamps, backup lamps and turn signal lamps.

Not much is known about Honda 0 α’s interior layout and instrumentation yet. Honda has confirmed a 2,800mm wheelbase, which means the cabin will have lots of room. We expect the SUV to be decked with premium features like a twin display setup for the touchscreen infotainment system and instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a voice-controlled panoramic sunroof, a powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, connected car tech, an ADAS package, and more.

Mr Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO, Honda Cars India, said, “The start of pan-India Public Road Verification testing is a key milestone in our electrification journey. India has unique driving and climate conditions, and it is important for us to test our electric vehicle thoroughly in real-world environments. This programme reflects Honda’s global engineering strengths combined with a strong focus on local customer needs, as we prepare to introduce an electric SUV that offers reliability, comfort, and ease of use.”

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Final Thoughts

Honda has confirmed that the 0 α SUV will be manufactured in India. It will be shipped to foreign markets, including its home territory, Japan. As mentioned earlier, the automaker is planning a FY2026-27 release for the SUV. Upon launch, it will rival the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV, and Toyota Urban Cruiser EV in India.