When Is the Honda Elevate Launching in India? Price Expectations Revealed
Introduction: Honda Elevate EV
Honda Elevate EV India is gearing up to electrify its lineup with the Honda Elevate EV, a much-anticipated electric SUV based on the popular Elevate model. Unveiled as part of the ACE (Asian Compact Electric) project, this zero-emission vehicle aims to revive Honda’s market presence in India, where its share has dipped below 1.5%. As of April 24, 2025, excitement builds around its 2026 debut, promising advanced features and competitive pricing. This blog dives into the launch timeline, price expectations, and what it means for Indian drivers.
Honda plans to launch the Elevate EV in India by August 2026. This timeline positions the vehicle to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles in the country
Table Of Content
- Overview
- Expected Launch Date
- Price Expectations
- Key Features
- Competitors
- Conclusion
- FAQ: Honda Elevate EV 2026
Overview Of Honda Elevate EV
The Honda Elevate EV is an anticipated electric version of the Honda Elevate, a compact SUV launched in India in 2023. While the Elevate EV has not been officially launched, it is expected to debut around August 2026 with an estimated starting price of ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom). Below is an overview based on available information and speculation surrounding the Elevate EV, addressing key aspects like design, performance, features, and potential pros and cons.
Overview of Honda Elevate EV
1. Background and Context
- The Honda Elevate is a petrol-powered compact SUV competing with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. It is built on the Honda City platform and is designed for markets like India, with exports to Japan as the WR-V.
- The Elevate EV is expected to be Honda’s entry into the electric SUV segment in India, following the global trend toward electrification. Honda has not yet released an electric version of the Elevate, but reports suggest it is in development to meet the growing demand for EVs in India.
Expected Launch Date
The Honda Elevate EV, the anticipated electric version of the Honda Elevate compact SUV, has not been officially confirmed with a precise launch date by Honda as of April 24, 2025. However, based on available reports and industry analysis, the expected launch timeline is around August 2026 in India. Below is a detailed breakdown of the expected launch date, including context, sources, and factors influencing the timeline.
Honda has confirmed the Elevate EV’s launch for late 2026, with estimates pointing to October or August 2026 based on recent updates. This aligns with Honda’s plan to introduce three electrified models by FY 2026-27, including this EV. The phased rollout will likely start in key cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, with nationwide expansion to follow, though rural coverage remains uncertain.
Price Expectations
The Elevate EV’s price is expected to range between ₹18 lakh and ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting its premium positioning. Early estimates suggest a base price of ₹18–20 lakh, with top variants potentially hitting ₹25 lakh. This pricing pits it against rivals like the Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Curvv EV, though the exact figure depends on battery costs and subsidies like FAME II.
Detailed Breakdown of Price Expectations
- Base Price Context:
- The starting price of ₹18 lakh positions the Elevate EV as a premium offering in the compact electric SUV segment, competing with models like the Tata Nexon EV (₹12.49-₹20.99 lakh), Mahindra XUV400 EV (₹15.49-₹19.39 lakh), and MG ZS EV (₹18.98-₹25.20 lakh).
- This price accounts for the cost of the electric powertrain, including a battery pack (estimated at 40-60 kWh) and electric motor, which significantly increases production costs compared to the petrol Elevate.
- Variant-Wise Pricing:
- Base Variant (₹18-19 lakh): Likely to offer a smaller battery (around 40 kWh) with a range of ~350-400 km (ARAI), basic features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and standard safety features (6 airbags, ABS with EBD).
- Mid Variants (₹20-22 lakh): Expected to include a larger battery (50-60 kWh) for a range of ~450-500 km, additional features like wireless charging, auto AC, and Level-2 ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist).
- Top Variant (₹22-24 lakh): May feature premium additions like a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and enhanced connectivity via Honda Connect, with the highest range and power output.
Factors Influencing Pricing:
- Battery and Technology Costs: The battery pack, likely sourced from global suppliers, is the most expensive component. A 40-60 kWh battery ensures competitive range but increases costs compared to smaller EVs.
- Features and Equipment: The Elevate EV is expected to retain the petrol model’s premium features (e.g., 10.25-inch touchscreen, 458-litre boot) while adding EV-specific tech like battery monitoring and fast-charging support, contributing to the price.
- Market Competition: To stay competitive, Honda will price the Elevate EV close to the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV (expected at ₹20-25 lakh), balancing features and affordability.
- Government Incentives: India’s FAME-III scheme or state-level EV subsidies could lower the effective price for buyers, though the ex-showroom price will remain in the ₹18-24 lakh range.
- Comparison with Petrol Elevate:
- The petrol Elevate’s top variant is priced at ₹16.51 lakh. The EV’s higher price reflects the electric powertrain’s cost, but Honda may optimize features to keep the base model accessible, appealing to buyers transitioning from ICE vehicles.
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Note
These price expectations are speculative, as Honda has not officially announced details for the Elevate EV, expected to launch around August 2026. Actual pricing will depend on final specifications, market conditions, and government policies at the time of launch. For the latest updates, check Honda’s official website or trusted automotive sources closer to the launch date.
Key Features
Electric Powertrain and Performance
- Battery and Range: Likely to feature a 40-60 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of 400-500 km (ARAI-certified), with real-world range around 300-400 km. This aligns with rivals like the Hyundai Creta EV and MG ZS EV.
- Electric Motor: Expected to deliver 100-150 kW (134-201 hp) and 200-300 Nm of torque, providing brisk acceleration suitable for city and highway driving.
- Charging: Support for fast charging (DC) to achieve 15-80% charge in 10-15 minutes (based on Honda’s global EV tech claims for the 0 Series platform). Standard AC charging will also be available.
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic transmission, typical for EVs.
Exterior Design
- EV-Specific Styling: While based on the petrol Elevate, the EV will feature a distinct nameplate and design, including a closed-off front grille, unique LED headlights, EV badging, and possibly new alloy wheels.
- Dimensions: Likely to retain the petrol Elevate’s dimensions (L: 4312 mm, W: 1790 mm, H: 1650 mm, Wheelbase: 2650 mm) for a strong road presence.
- Ground Clearance: Expected to maintain the class-leading 220 mm ground clearance, ideal for Indian roads.
- Colour Options: Anticipated to include premium shades like Silver, White, Red, and dual-tone options, similar to the petrol Elevate.
Interior and Comfort
- Spacious Cabin: Expected to offer the same roomy interior as the petrol Elevate, with ample legroom, headroom, and a 458-litre boot space (expandable via 60:40 split rear seats).
- Premium Materials: Tan-black colour scheme with soft-touch leatherette, wood inserts, and high-quality plastics for a classy feel.
- Seating: Comfortable, well-bolstered seats for five occupants, with potential additions like ventilated front seats in top variants.
- Driving Position: Commanding driving position with good ergonomics and outward visibility.
Infotainment and Connectivity
- Touchscreen: A 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Honda Connect: Enhanced with EV-specific features like remote battery monitoring, charge status, geo-fencing, and vehicle tracking.
- Digital Cluster: Likely to feature a semi-digital or fully digital driver display optimized for EV data (range, battery status, energy consumption).
- Additional Features: USB ports, wireless charging, auto AC, and keyless entry. A panoramic sunroof may be included in top variants, addressing a gap in the petrol Elevate.
Safety Features
- Standard Safety: Expected to include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (VSA), hill start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, maintaining the petrol Elevate’s 5-star Japan NCAP rating (as WR-V).
- Honda SENSING (Level-2 ADAS): Camera-based advanced driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, collision mitigation braking, and auto high-beam.
- Additional Safety Tech: Multi-angle rear camera, LaneWatch camera, rear parking sensors, and emergency stop signal (ESS).
- EV-Specific Safety: Potential battery protection systems and thermal management for safe operation.
Advanced Technology
- ACE Platform: Part of Honda’s Asian Compact Electric (ACE) project, designed for efficiency and export markets (50-70% of production for export, including Japan).
- Lightweight Design: Inspired by Honda’s 0 Series EV architecture, the Elevate EV may incorporate a thinner battery pack to reduce weight and improve design flexibility.
- Bidirectional Charging: Possible inclusion of vehicle-to-load (V2L) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, allowing the EV to power external devices or feed energy back to the grid, as seen in Honda’s global EV plans.
- Connected Features: Integration with a smartphone app for remote control of charging, climate, and vehicle status.
Ride and Handling
- Suspension: Expected to retain the petrol Elevate’s well-tuned suspension, offering a comfortable ride over potholes and speed breakers while maintaining stability at high speeds.
- Steering: Light and precise steering for city driving, with adequate feedback for highways.
- EV Dynamics: Lower center of gravity due to the battery placement, potentially improving handling, though the added weight may slightly affect agility.
8. Competitive Positioning
- Rivals: Will compete with the Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV400 EV, MG ZS EV, and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara.
- Pricing Strategy: Expected to start at ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom), with top variants up to ₹22-24 lakh, leveraging India’s 5% GST on EVs for competitive pricing.
- Market Appeal: Combines Honda’s reliability, spacious design, and strong safety credentials with modern EV tech, targeting family buyers and urban commuters.
Notes
- Speculative Features: Some features, like the panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats, are based on speculation from sources like CarLelo, as the petrol Elevate lacks these. Honda may add them to compete with feature-rich rivals.
- Unconfirmed Details: Exact battery size, motor specs, and final feature list are subject to change, as Honda has not released official details. The Elevate EV’s codename (DG9D) and export focus (Project ACE) suggest a global outlook.
- Potential Gaps: The petrol Elevate misses features like a 360-degree camera and heads-up display, which may persist in the EV unless Honda upgrades the package
Competitors
The Honda Elevate EV, expected to launch in India around August 2026, will enter the competitive compact electric SUV segment. It will face established and upcoming electric SUVs targeting similar price points (₹18-24 lakh) and buyer preferences. Below is a detailed overview of its key competitors, based on current market offerings and anticipated launches, focusing on their specifications, pricing, and positioning.
The Honda Elevate EV will compete with several electric SUVs in the Indian market, including:​CarDekho
- Hyundai Creta EV
- Tata Curvv EV
- MG ZS EV
- Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara
- Mahindra BE 6​
Conclusion
The Honda Elevate EV is poised to offer a blend of practicality, advanced safety, and modern EV technology, building on the petrol Elevate’s strengths like space, comfort, and a 5-star safety rating. With a competitive range, fast-charging support, and Honda’s reliability, it aims to carve a niche in the crowded electric SUV market. However, to stand out against rivals, Honda may need to include premium features like a panoramic sunroof or a 360-degree camera. For the latest updates, monitor Honda’s official announcements or trusted automotive sources closer to the 2026 launch.
Disclaimer: Information is based on speculative reports and may differ from the final product.
Honda Elevate EV 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When is the Honda Elevate EV expected to launch?
- The anticipated launch is around August 2026 in India.
- What is the expected price of the Honda Elevate EV?
- Starting price is estimated at ₹18 lakh, with top variants up to ₹22-24 lakh (ex-showroom).
- What is the expected range of the Honda Elevate EV?
- It is expected to offer a range of 400-500 km (ARAI-certified), with a real-world range of ~300-400 km.
- What battery size will the Honda Elevate EV have?
- Likely to feature a 40-60 kWh battery pack, supporting fast charging.
- What are the key features of the Honda Elevate EV?
- Expected features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, Level-2 ADAS, Honda Connect with EV-specific functions, and a 458-litre boot. Top variants may have a sunroof and ventilated seats.
- Who are the main competitors of the Honda Elevate EV?
- Key rivals include Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV400 EV, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta EV, and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara.
- What is the expected power output of the Honda Elevate EV?
- It may deliver 100-150 kW (134-201 hp) and 200-300 Nm torque with a single electric motor.
- Will the Honda Elevate EV support fast charging?
- Yes, it is expected to support DC fast charging (15-80% in ~10-15 minutes) and standard AC charging.
- What safety features will the Honda Elevate EV offer?
- Anticipated safety includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and Level-2 ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist). It may target a 5-star safety rating.
- What is the ground clearance of the Honda Elevate EV?
- Expected to retain the petrol Elevate’s 220 mm ground clearance, ideal for Indian roads.