The Only Surviving Honda 0 Series EV Is Coming, But There's A Catch

By Thanos Pappas
Honda 0 Alpha Prototype Honda
Add CarScoops on Google:
Google Discover

Honda might have cancelled the U.S.-bound 0 Series sedan and SUV – as well as the Acura RSX — earlier this year, but the massive R&D investment in electric mobility won't completely go to waste. The automaker is almost ready to unveil the production version of the Honda 0 Alpha prototype, set to be sold in global markets although it will be mainly targeted in India and Japan while staying off limits for U.S. buyers.

The Honda 0 Alpha was introduced in concept form at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2025. In March 2026, Honda revealed a slightly evolved prototype with the signature purple camo wrap, while announcing the start of "Public Road Verification" testing in India. Over the past few months, social media users have been spotting prototypes of the upcoming EV in both India and Japan, sharing spy shots and videos on social media. The automaker has now confirmed that the debut of the electric SUV will take place on December 2.

Futuristic styling, modern tech

Honda 0 Alpha Prototype with a camouflage wrap Honda India

The bodywork is completely covered in camouflage, but the futuristic silhouette appears to be largely unchanged compared to the original concept. Highlights include the modern LEDs integrated into a covered grille, the pronounced front and rear bumpers, the cladding around the wheel arches, the thick C-pillars above the muscular rear fenders, and the upright tail with vertical or U-shaped LEDs.

Overall, the 0 Alpha looks like a smaller version of the now-cancelled 0 SUV, although the rear end of the prototype could be mistaken for a Kia Soul coming from the future. In any case, Honda designers and engineers gave emphasis to the specific needs of Indian buyers, taking under consideration the rough roads and the tough weather conditions of the populous country.

Earlier spy shots gave us a glimpse inside the cabin, hinting at a minimalist dashboard layout. These photos revealed a large infotainment display, a modern digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, and a separate section for the climate controls mounted on the center console.

EV-dedicated platform, Indian production

Honda 0 Alpha Prototype Honda

When Honda first announced the SUV, it promised "a refined design and a spacious cabin that offers outstanding occupant comfort". According to the automaker, the EV will come equipped with technologies staying true to the "Thin, Light, and Wise" philosophy.

Under the skin, the Honda 0 Alpha rides on an EV-dedicated architecture and will likely adopt a FWD layout with a single electric motor and two LFP battery options. Local media speculate that larger of the two could offer up to 500 km (311 miles) of range between charges.

India's first fully electric Honda will be manufactured at the Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, taking advantage of the lower cost of labor in the Asian country. Eventually, Honda wants to export it to other markets including Japan, following the example of the Indian-built Elevate.

Rivals of the Honda 0 Alpha in India include the Tata Sierra EV, the Suzuki e Vitara and Toyota Ebella twins, the Mahindra BE 6, the MG ZS EV, and the electric version of the Hyundai Creta. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Autocar India speculates it could cost somewhere between ₹16.00 lakh ($16,900) and ₹25.00 lakh ($26,400).

Recommended