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Honda’s first electric SUV begins India testing; 500 km range, Creta EV rival! |

Sandy Verma | March 17, 2026 10:24 AM CST

Honda Cars India has begun pan-India road testing of its upcoming electric SUV. The nationwide test run marks the start of the vehicle’s Public Road Verification programme, which will see the model being evaluated across a wide variety of real-world driving conditions before its eventual launch.The prototype of this upcoming electric SUV is known globally as the Honda 0 α (Honda Zero Alpha). The concept first grabbed attention when it was showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. With testing now underway in India, the company is preparing the model for both domestic and global markets, with India and Japan expected to be key destinations when the production version arrives in FY 2026–27.As part of the extensive testing programme, the SUV will be driven across highways, crowded city roads and challenging terrain. Engineers will study several aspects such as durability, ride comfort, handling, efficiency and overall reliability. The EV will also be tested in extreme weather conditions including high summer temperatures and heavy monsoon rains. In addition, Honda will evaluate how the vehicle performs with different types of charging infrastructure available in India to ensure it works smoothly in everyday use.

Honda’s first electric SUV Zero Alpha: Key details

Although the test vehicles remain heavily camouflaged, some design elements were revealed during its global debut. The prototype features an illuminated Honda logo at the front along with the charging port, flanked by the headlamps. At the rear, the design includes a full-width U-shaped tail-light signature. It also features 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 65 kWh to 75 kWh range. 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 arrives in showrooms, Honda’s electric SUV will enter a rapidly growing segment. It will compete with models such as the Maruti e Vitara, Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric and more in India. The vehicle is expected to be manufactured in India and will also be exported to global markets.