While companies like Tata, Hyundai, and MG are continuously launching electric vehicles in the Indian market, Honda has, to date, focused on hybrid cars. Now, the company has taken a major step and begun preparations for its first electric car. Most notably, this will not be an electric version of an existing model, but a completely new product.
Honda Cars India's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Kunal Bahl, has clarified that the company will launch its first electric car in the Indian market by the end of 2026. The company's CEO, Takashi Nakajima, has also confirmed this. He also stated that this upcoming EV will not be based on the Honda Elevate SUV, as previously speculated, but will be built on a completely new platform.
Although Honda has not yet officially revealed its electric car, it is expected to be a midsize SUV. Upon launch, this car will directly compete with vehicles like the Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Maruti e-Vitara. It will be interesting to see that while other companies are introducing electric versions of their best-selling petrol cars, Honda is introducing its first EV as a completely new model.
Honda is working not only on the car itself but also on the charging network required for it. The company has started installing DC fast chargers at many of its dealerships. This will enable customers to charge their electric cars more quickly, which will be a significant incentive for the adoption of electric vehicles.
Currently, Honda's Indian lineup consists of only four petrol models: City, Amaze, Elevate, and the older Amaze. Additionally, the company also sells the Honda City e: HEV hybrid. However, the company's plans are not limited to EVs; it is also working on a new-generation Honda City sedan. This car can be launched by 2028 and will be built on the PF2 platform, which will also support a hybrid powertrain.
Honda's first electric car is expected to be launched at an affordable price. Although there is no official announcement of the price, to make it competitive, the company can launch it in the price range of ₹ 15 lakh to ₹ 25 lakh.