Honda to Launch Hybrid and Electric SUVs in India - ZR-V, Elevate Hybrid

Japanese car manufacturer, Honda has recently shelved its plans of introducing 0 Series and Acura RSX EV. The company is set to post its first-ever annual loss since going public in 1950s. In order to revive sales, Honda is looking at the Indian market. The company plans to launch 10 new models, including 7 new SUVs in our market before the end of this financial year. In the next couple of years, the brand will introduce new hybrid and electric SUVs in the country. 

Honda 0 Alpha electric SUV

Honda has officially started testing the much-awaited 0 Alpha electric SUV on the Indian roads. This midsized electric SUV will be manufactured at the brand’s Tapukara production plant in Rajasthan. It is scheduled to be launched in the Indian market in FY26-27, early next year. Based on a new scalable platform, the new Honda electric SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta electric, Mahindra BE 6, VinFast VF6 and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. 

The electric SUV will have a wheelbase length of around 2700-2800mm, which should allow engineers to offer spacious and practical cabin. It is likely to be offered with two battery pack options, both will have LFP batteries. The exact battery capacity is yet to be revealed, but we expect the SUV to get around 65kWh-75kWh units with a front-axle-mounted electric motor.

Honda ZR-V Hybrid SUV

Honda Cars India will introduce some of its global vehicles as fully imported models in our market. The ZR-V will also come as a CBU model in 2026 or 2027. The company has already showcased the ZR-V hybrid SUV to its dealer partners. The Honda ZR-V is already on sale in select ASEAN markets with a petrol hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system comprising a 2.0L petrol engine and two electric motors. The combined power and torque output stands at 184bhp and 315Nm, respectively. The hybrid version offers an impressive mileage of around 22.2kmpl (4.5-litre per 100 kilometres on the combined WLTC cycle). 

Elevate Hybrid a Possibility

Honda is reportedly considering launching the Elevate hybrid in our market. It is currently available with a 1.5L NA petrol engine, which offers low fuel efficiency compared to rivals. If reports are to be believed, the Elevate will receive a mid-life update around festival season 2026. Honda could offer the hybrid setup with the facelift model; however, the company is yet to make an official announcement. The new Honda hybrid SUV will be produced at Honda’s Tapukara manufacturing facility in Alwar, Rajasthan. 

The new Honda Elevate hybrid is likely to be equipped with the same powertrain that powers the Honda City e:HEV. It is an Atkinson Cycle 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol engine paired with two electric motor, and a small battery pack. One electric motor works as an electric generator, while the other motor is for propulsion. The existing City hybrid offers an ARAI certified fuel economy of 27.13kmpl. We expect the Elevate hybrid to deliver nothing less than 26km with a range of around 1000km in a single tank.

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