Honda will launch its first electric vehicle in India between April 2026 and March 2027. The EV is likely to be a new midsize SUV, not based on the Elevate.
Kunal Behl, Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Honda Cars India, has officially confirmed that the brand’s first all-electric vehicle (EV) will debut in India between April 2026 and March 2027 (FY27).
Honda Finally Joins India’s EV Race
While leading carmakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Hyundai already offer electric vehicles in India, and brands like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are preparing to launch their first EVs within the next few months, Honda has been noticeably absent from the battery electric vehicle space.
Instead, Honda has focused on strong hybrid models like the City e:HEV, alongside its petrol-only lineup.
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Not the Elevate EV
Contrary to earlier speculation, the upcoming Honda EV will not be based on the Elevate SUV, as clarified by Honda’s top leadership, including newly appointed CEO Takashi Nakajima.
Instead, the company is likely developing a brand-new midsize SUV to compete directly with:
- Hyundai Creta EV
- MG ZS EV
- Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara
Honda’s decision to introduce a fresh nameplate — rather than electrifying an existing ICE model — marks a distinct strategy in a market where competitors have mostly converted their best-selling vehicles into EVs.
Charging Infrastructure in Progress
To support its EV launch, Honda is also quietly building its charging ecosystem. Preparations are underway to install:
- Fast-charging DC stations at dealerships
- An infrastructure network to reduce range anxiety for new EV buyers
These efforts will help ensure a seamless EV ownership experience when the vehicle launches in late 2026 or early 2027.
Honda’s Current India Lineup
At present, Honda Cars India offers a compact range:
- Petrol Models: Amaze, City, Elevate
- Strong Hybrid: City e:HEV
- CNG Variants: Amaze, Elevate (limited availability)
Earlier models like the Jazz, Brio, Mobilio, and CR-V have been discontinued due to underwhelming sales.
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What’s Next for Honda India?
Apart from the upcoming EV, Honda is also working on the next-generation City sedan, expected to launch around 2028. This new model will be based on a localized PF2 architecture, supporting hybrid powertrains and aiming for a more competitive price range of ₹15–25 lakh (ex-showroom).
This strategy marks a shift from the current-gen City Hybrid, which starts at ₹19.90 lakh — a price point considered too steep by many buyers in the segment.