2026 Honda Electric SUV Announced

Published On: 5 December 2024
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Honda's Elevate BEV specifications will be the full-bodied, completely electric vehicle that will launch in India in the year 2026. The electric SUV will be part of the larger electrification strategy that the brand has implemented, amid other future hybrid developments.

Honda’s First Electric Vehicle in India

Honda Cars India, from its official end, has announced the debut of its first fully-electric model in an official announcement in 2026. This particular model shall be Honda Elevate EV of the brand as part of a paradigm shift to electric mobility. A new nameplate and design will be used in the new entirely electric SUV to underline it as a distinct model under Honda's offerings, thus not differing too much as compared to the Elevate.

Electrified Models Coming by 2026-27

For Honda, the Elevate EV launch in 2026 would comprise only one part of the broad electrification strategy that it has envisioned. Honda disclosed plans to introduce a total of three electrified models in the Electric SUV India market by 2026-27, including models of complete electric as well as hybrid variants. This is in line with the global approach of Honda for improving the proportion of electrified vehicles in the product portfolio. Hence, the brand achieves its sustainability targets and offers even more eco-friendly alternatives to Indian consumers.

The ACE Compact Electric Vehicle

Another major project of Honda's EV roadmap is the ACE(Asean Compact Electric), a compact electric vehicle that would share its platform with the Elevate. The car is expected to go on sale by 2026 for both Indian and international markets, with a focus primarily on exports. Reports suggest that close to 50-70% of ACE production will be directed to important global markets such as Japan as part of Honda's growing geographical presence with the EV.

Shift Towards SUVs in India

The SUV segment in India is thus going to become increasingly important to Honda's evolving strategy going forward. The new consumer trend has indicated a major shift towards affordable electric SUV, which Honda intends to exploit. Although Honda is a strong player in the mid-size SUV segment, thanks to the Elevate, the carmaker plans to have five new offerings by 2030 in a bid to boost its SUV portfolio. It has become essential for the company to keep up with growing competition in the market while tapping into demand for versatility and bigger vehicles, as the company wants to make further forays into new markets.

Honda’s Hybrid and Electric Future

The forthcoming Elevate-based EV will be Honda's first entry in the all-electric space in India, but the company will not stop there; it will also come up with further hybrid offerings. On this note, Honda's top management has also pointed out that the hybrid technology will continue to have a significant part in the company's future plans, especially with much stricter fuel-efficient regulation. Thus, Honda will have a broad array of electrified options for different customer needs, ranging from hybrid to fully electric powertrains.

A New Chapter for Honda in India

Although the company's market share has decreased marginally, Honda remains in the Indian market. The electrification process of the company, along with the focus on creating new SUVs, is expected to regain ground for Honda in the country. The new electrified model launches will cater to the sustainability goals of Honda while also fortifying its status within a highly competitive automotive market. In view that the Indian automobile industry internally is being focused on electric mobility, with those upcoming EVs and hybrids, Honda will play a principal role in the Indian auto industry.