Honda begins testing 0 Alpha SUV in India

Honda Cars India has begun pan-India testing of its upcoming electric SUV, ahead of the model’s global introduction planned in FY2026-27. The prototype, known globally as the Honda 0 Alpha, was first shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 and will now be assessed across Indian driving and climate conditions.

1. India-built model planned for global markets, including Japan
2. To be manufactured at Tapukara plant in Rajasthan 
3. Investment of about Rs 1,200 crore planned for EV production

0 Alpha testing programme underway

Validation across Indian driving and climate conditions

Honda said the road tests will assess the SUV’s performance across a range of operating conditions in India, including urban driving, highways and rough-road environments. Charging performance and overall usability will also be evaluated during the trials.

Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO of 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”.

Tapukara plant to support Honda’s EV programme

Rs 1,200 crore investment planned

The upcoming electric SUV will be manufactured in India, with Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan expected to serve as the production base. The project involves an investment of around Rs 1,200 crore, according to an earlier report following a meeting between Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Honda Cars India President and CEO Takashi Nakajima. The model is planned for global introduction in FY2026-27, with India and Japan among the initial markets. 

Chief Minister Sharma said the project supports the “Make in India for the World” initiative and could also help generate employment in the region. The development follows discussions held during Sharma’s Japan visit in September 2024, when global manufacturers were invited to invest in EV production in Rajasthan ahead of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit.

Global EV plans revised, India project continues

Larger 0-Series SUV and sedan cancelled

Honda recently cancelled the larger 0-Series SUV and sedan that were previously planned as part of its global EV rollout. The decision followed a reassessment of market conditions and slowing EV demand in some regions.

However, Honda’s India EV programme remains unchanged, with the locally built 0 Alpha expected to lead the brand’s electric vehicle rollout in the market.