Honda Cars India has begun public road testing of an upcoming electric SUV, known globally as the Honda 0 α (Zero Alpha), indicating that development of part of the company’s Honda 0 Series EV programme is continuing despite earlier reports of project cancellations. The testing programme will evaluate the vehicle across a wide range of
Honda Cars India has begun public road testing of an upcoming electric SUV, known globally as the Honda 0 α (Zero Alpha), indicating that development of part of the company’s Honda 0 Series EV programme is continuing despite earlier reports of project cancellations.
The testing programme will evaluate the vehicle across a wide range of real-world conditions including highways, urban environments and challenging terrain, as well as India’s extreme heat and monsoon conditions. Honda said key areas of focus include durability, ride comfort, efficiency, charging performance and overall reliability.
According to the company, the electric SUV is being developed for both urban and lifestyle-oriented driving, with a launch targeted for financial year 2026–27. India and Japan are expected to be among the key markets for the model.
Honda also confirmed that the vehicle will be manufactured in India and exported globally, positioning the country as an important hub in the company’s revised electrification strategy.
The prototype was previously revealed at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 as the Honda 0 Alpha concept, part of the company’s new-generation EV lineup under the Honda 0 Series.
The development appears to clarify earlier reports that Honda had cancelled several EV programmes as it reassesses its electrification strategy amid rising development costs and slower-than-expected EV adoption in some markets.
Those reports suggested that the Honda 0 Saloon, 0 SUV and Acura RSX BEV projects had been shelved as the company faced what it described as an “extremely challenging earnings situation.”
However, the fate of the smaller 0 Alpha electric SUV remained unclear until now. Honda has increasingly emphasised India’s role in its future product strategy, citing strong growth potential in the market as well as the country’s ability to serve as a manufacturing and export base.
The company is expected to provide further details on its revised mid- to long-term automotive strategy in May 2026.
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