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Honda’s First Made-for-India Electric Car To Launch Between 2026 & 2027 - Not The Elevate?
Japanese carmaker Honda is preparing its first fully electric car made specifically for the Indian market. While the company already sells electric models in other countries, Honda is looking to design and localise one that suits Indian buyers. Development work is ongoing, though technical specifications remain undisclosed.
Honda had previously laid out a detailed product roadmap for India, announcing five new SUVs for the market. The first of these, the Elevate, is already on sale. Another part of that roadmap was supposed to include an "electrified Elevate," scheduled for introduction by 2026.
That timeline now appears to have shifted. Speaking to ET Auto Kunal Behl, VP Sales & Marketing, Honda Cars India has indicated that Honda's first India-focused electric car will launch between April 2026 and March 2027. Interestingly, the new EV will not use the Elevate as its base, despite earlier plans suggesting an electric version of the SUV.
Speculation has now turned to what shape this new Honda EV might take. There are some rumblings that the company could look at alternatives such as a hatchback or sedan. By doing so, Honda could avoid competing directly in the crowded electric SUV segment that already has multiple players.
Among the possibilities, an electric Amaze has been discussed. The Amaze remains Honda's most popular car in India and underwent a significant update last year. Building an EV version of this trusted sedan could help the brand leverage its strong recognition and established customer base.
India's electric car market is rapidly expanding, with SUVs taking most of the spotlight. If Honda had chosen to electrify the Elevate, it would have gone up against models like the Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, and VinFast VF 6.
Future competition in this segment will only intensify. Maruti Suzuki is preparing the eVitara EV, Toyota is working on the Urban Cruiser EV, and other manufacturers are lining up their own models. Honda's decision to focus on a new body style could therefore prove strategically significant.
For now, Honda has not confirmed whether its India-specific EV will be a hatchback, sedan, or a different format altogether. What is clear is that the car will be positioned as the company's first serious step into India's all-electric passenger vehicle market.
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