Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today flagged off the first pan-India test run of its upcoming Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) SUV, marking the official start of Public Road Verification testing in India. This marks an important step in Honda’s electric mobility journey and towards the future launch of an all-new electric SUV for Indian customer.

The prototype of this model, known globally as Honda 0 α, was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO, Honda Cars India, said, “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.”

The testing programme will evaluate the vehicle across a wide range of Indian driving conditions, including highways, city roads, and challenging terrains. Key areas of focus include durability, handling, ride comfort, efficiency, and overall reliability. The vehicle will also undergo testing in extreme heat and monsoon conditions, along with evaluation of charging performance across different types of charging infrastructure to ensure everyday usability.