- Honda will build the 0 α SUV in India to take advantage of lower production costs.
- The smaller 0 α is distinct from the 0 SUV that was cancelled for the U.S. market.
- Japan is confirmed as an export destination, though other markets remain open.
It’s been a couple of weeks since Honda pulled the plug on plans to build the 0 Saloon, 0 SUV, and Acura RSX EVs in the US. However, not all of that investment is going to waste, as the smaller 0 α SUV has now been confirmed for production in India, with exports planned for other markets as well.
Last month, Honda began testing the all-electric SUV in India for the first time, putting it through a wide range of driving conditions. Engineers are also evaluating performance in extreme heat and monsoon environments, alongside testing its charging capabilities.
Read: New Honda 0 SUV Gets Real With Production Design
Deciding on Indian production is an obvious move for Honda. Having already poured billions of dollars investing too heavily in EVs, Honda will be eager to make the most of lower labor costs in India. It’s revealed that not only will the 0 α SUV be built and sold in India, but it will also be exported to its home market of Japan, among other “key markets”, though Honda won’t say which ones at this stage.
Deciding on Indian production is a logical move. After pouring billions into EV development with limited return, Honda will be keen to capitalize on lower labor costs. The plan now is for the 0 α SUV to be built and sold in India, while also being exported to Japan and other “key markets”, though the company has yet to specify which ones.
This Isn’t The American Model
The Honda 0 α SUV was unveiled as a concept in late 2025 and looks almost identical to the 0 SUV that had been destined for the US. However, the 0 α is smaller and designed to be more affordable. In a world where lots of SUVs look the same, the 0 α stands apart, largely due to its unusually tall rear end. Whether buyers will embrace the design remains an open question.
Developed under Honda’s new ‘Thin, Light, and Wise,’ approach, the Honda 0 α SUV will hit the market with a thin and lightweight battery pack, although capacity details are not yet known. Honda has also committed to mounting the batteries and power units as low as possible to reduce the center of gravity.
Honda says the new 0 α SUV will be introduced during the 2026-2027 financial year, likely launching first in India and Japan before expanding to other regions.
According to Honda, “The start of pan-India Public Road Verification testing is a key milestone in our electrification journey. India has unique driving and climate conditions, and it is important for us to test our electric vehicle thoroughly in real-world environments. This programme reflects Honda’s global engineering strengths combined with a strong focus on local customer needs, as we prepare to introduce an electric SUV that offers reliability, comfort, and ease of use.”
