Honda's First EV For India Spied Again, Large Touchscreen Revealed

Honda's first EV for India has been spotted testing again with a large touchscreen ahead of its 2027 launch.

Honda's first electric SUV for India, the 0 Alpha, has been spotted testing once again. The latest spy pictures from Manali show a near-production version of the SUV and reveal several new design details. Honda first unveiled the 0 Alpha as a concept under its new 0 Series EV lineup, and the company plans to launch the production model in India in 2027.

Inside the Cabin

Spy photos of the cabin show a large freestanding touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. The display appears wider than the screens used in Honda's current cars in India, suggesting the SUV could feature a newer electronic architecture with more digital features. A separate digital instrument display for the driver is also visible behind the steering wheel.

The dashboard has a clean horizontal layout with slim air vents, while the steering wheel features a new design. The centre console also appears compact, helping create a more open cabin. Some interior parts are still covered, so the final design of the seats, buttons, and other features could change before production. Even so, the large central display shows that Honda is moving towards a more modern interior.

Design Details: Boxy and Bold

The rear of the SUV features a tall, almost upright tailgate that gives it a boxy appearance. The taillights have vertical outer sections with rounded rectangular lighting elements, while the wide rear window stands almost upright. Thick body cladding, a large lower bumper section, and a dedicated space for the number plate add to its rugged look. The test vehicle also features a roof-mounted stop lamp and a high-mounted rear glass area.

At the front, heavy camouflage still covers most of the design, but the basic lighting setup is visible. The five-seater SUV appears to have square LED headlamps, with the main lights positioned inside a closed-off front panel. It also gets a short bonnet and a wide lower air intake. From the side, the SUV shows a tall cabin, large windows, short overhangs, and a compact bonnet. The rear door and quarter glass are designed to maximise cabin space, while the roof remains almost flat until the tailgate.

Competition and Production Plans

The Honda 0 Alpha will compete with models such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, and Tata Curvv EV. Honda has already confirmed that the 0 Alpha will be the first production model in its new 0 Series electric vehicle lineup. The original concept followed Honda's "Thin, Light and Wise" design philosophy, and the test vehicle appears to retain the same design approach.

Reports suggest the India-spec model could use a 60 kWh to 70 kWh battery pack and offer a practical driving range of around 450 km. Honda is also expected to introduce a single-motor, front-wheel-drive version first.

The company is expected to manufacture the SUV at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Honda's current lineup in India includes the Amaze, City, and Elevate, and the 0 Alpha will become the brand's first dedicated electric SUV for the Indian market. It will also mark Honda's entry into a segment where several rivals have already launched electric SUVs.

Market Outlook

By the time the Honda 0 Alpha reaches India in 2027, it is expected to enter a much more competitive electric SUV segment. Models like the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, and Mahindra BE 6 are expected to have been in the market for some time. By then, buyers will also have access to real ownership feedback, making it easier to compare these models.

Honda has also continued with its India EV plans even after changing parts of its global electric vehicle strategy. While the company has cancelled some 0 Series EV projects planned for North America, it says the India-bound 0 Alpha remains on track. This indicates that India remains an important market in Honda's future EV plans.

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