Honda Cars India has started pan-India road testing of its upcoming electric SUV. The nationwide test run marks the start of the vehicle’s public road verification program, which will see the model tested in a variety of real-world driving conditions before its eventual launch.The prototype of this upcoming electric SUV is globally known as Honda 0 α (Honda Zero Alpha). The concept first gained attention when it was showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. Now testing in India, the company is developing the model for both the domestic and global markets, with India and Japan expected to be the main destinations when the production version arrives in FY 2026-27.As part of the extensive testing program, the SUV will be driven on highways, congested city streets and rough terrain. Engineers will study several aspects such as durability, ride comfort, handling, performance and overall reliability. The EV will also be tested in extreme weather conditions including high summer temperatures and heavy monsoon rains. Also, Honda will evaluate how the vehicle performs with the different types of charging infrastructure available in India to ensure that it performs smoothly in day-to-day use.
Honda’s first electric SUV Zero Alpha: Key details
While test vehicles remain largely under wraps, some design elements were revealed during its global launch. The prototype features an illuminated Honda logo on the front with a charging port, flanked by headlamps. At the rear, the design includes a full-width U-shaped taillight signature. It also has 19-inch wheels.
Under the skin, Honda is expected to offer two battery pack options for the production version. Both are likely to use LFP battery technology. While the exact capacities have not been revealed yet, the packs are expected to be in the range of 65 kWh to 75 kWh. The electric SUV is also expected to offer a driving range of around 500 km on a single charge. At launch, the model will likely be offered with a single-motor front-wheel drive setup.When it hits showrooms, Honda’s electric SUV will enter a fast-growing segment. It will compete with models like Maruti e Vitara, Mahindra BE6, Hyundai Creta Electric and more in India. The vehicle is expected to be manufactured in India and also exported to global markets.
