Quick Highlights:Honda to launch its first EV in India between April 2026 – March 2027.VP Sales & Marketing Kunal Behl confirmed the development.New EV will not be based on the Elevate SUV, contrary to earlier reports.Likely to be a midsize SUV rivaling Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Maruti e-Vitara.Honda is setting up DC fast-charging stations at dealerships.Launch marks Honda’s entry into India’s competitive EV space with a fresh nameplate.Honda Confirms First EV Launch in India by FY2026-27Honda Cars India has finally joined the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) race in the country. Kunal Behl, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Honda Cars India, has confirmed that the brand’s first all-electric vehicle will debut between April 2026 and March 2027. This announcement puts Honda on the EV map in India after years of focusing mainly on hybrid technology while rivals surged ahead with all-electric offerings.Honda’s EV Strategy in IndiaIn the Indian EV market, mainstream brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, and MG have already launched multiple electric models, while Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are preparing to roll out their first EVs within the next few months. Honda, however, has so far stayed out of the pure EV space, concentrating instead on strong hybrid cars. The new confirmation marks a significant shift in the company’s long-term strategy.Takashi Nakajima, the newly appointed President and CEO of Honda Cars India, also hinted earlier this year at the company’s EV ambitions during an informal media interaction in Delhi. He stated that Honda’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) is already under development and will be launched in the next financial year.Not Based on Honda Elevate SUVFor a long time, reports suggested that Honda’s first EV in India would be based on its popular Elevate SUV. However, both Behl and Nakajima have clarified that this will not be the case. Instead, the upcoming EV will be built on an all-new platform with a new nameplate.This is a key differentiator from competitors like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors, who have all opted to electrify their existing best-selling models such as the Grand Vitara, Creta, and Harrier. Honda appears to be betting on a fresh design and identity for its first electric vehicle in India.Likely a Midsize SUVWhile the company has not confirmed the exact body type, market speculation indicates that Honda’s debut EV is likely to be a midsize SUV. This would place it directly in competition with the Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and the upcoming Maruti e-Vitara. Given the rising popularity of SUVs in India and the strong demand for midsize electric SUVs, Honda’s decision aligns well with market preferences.Charging Infrastructure PlansAnother crucial element of Honda’s EV strategy is charging infrastructure. The company is silently building a network to ensure a smoother ownership experience when its EV finally hits the roads. Dealerships across the country are already being equipped with fast DC charging stations. This proactive move aims to reduce customer concerns around range anxiety and provide a reliable charging ecosystem from day one.Why Honda’s EV Launch MattersHonda’s late entry into the Indian EV segment raises expectations. Unlike early movers such as Tata Motors, which dominates the affordable EV market, Honda will be entering at a time when competition is more intense but consumer awareness is also much higher. By offering an all-new product with dedicated charging infrastructure, Honda may be able to differentiate itself and win over EV buyers looking for a premium, reliable option.With a clear timeline in place, Honda’s announcement signals a new era for the brand in India. As the company gears up for its first all-electric SUV, the move is expected to strengthen its presence in a market that is rapidly shifting towards clean mobility solutions.