Tapukara, Rajasthan, March 16, 2026: Honda Cars India Ltd. has officially begun pan-India public road verification testing of its upcoming Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) SUV, marking a major step in the company’s electrification roadmap in the country.

The test programme was flagged off from Tapukara, Rajasthan on March 16, as Honda prepares to introduce a new electric SUV tailored for Indian driving conditions.

Electric SUV Based on Honda 0 α Concept

The prototype being tested is based on the globally unveiled Honda 0 α, which made its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

The upcoming model is part of Honda’s next-generation EV strategy and is expected to play a key role in expanding the brand’s electric vehicle portfolio in India and other global markets.

Testing Across India’s Diverse Conditions

According to Honda, the extensive testing programme will assess the vehicle under a wide range of real-world driving conditions across India.

Engineers will evaluate the SUV on:

• Highways and urban city roads
• Rough and challenging terrains
• Extreme heat conditions typical of Indian summers
• Heavy monsoon weather conditions

The programme will also focus on key performance parameters such as:

• Durability and reliability
• Ride comfort and handling
• Energy efficiency and driving range
• Charging performance across different charging infrastructure

These tests are designed to ensure the vehicle delivers consistent performance and everyday usability for Indian customers.

Honda Emphasises Local Testing for EV Development

Speaking at the start of the testing programme, Takashi Nakajima highlighted the importance of testing the electric SUV under India’s unique conditions.

“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,” he said.

Nakajima added that the testing programme reflects Honda’s focus on combining global engineering expertise with local customer needs.

Global Launch Planned with India as Key Market

The upcoming Honda electric SUV is being developed for both urban mobility and lifestyle-oriented driving, supporting a variety of daily usage scenarios.

The model is planned for global introduction in FY 2026–27, with India and Japan among the primary launch markets.

In a significant move for the company’s local manufacturing strategy, the EV will be produced in India and exported to global markets, reinforcing India’s role in Honda’s future electric vehicle ecosystem.