The Honda Elevate Is Getting An EV Variant Instead Of A Hybrid

This means the Honda Elevate will only be available with the City’s 1.5-litre petrol powertrain until its EV version arrives

Update (04/09/23): Honda has announced the prices of the Elevate SUV.

• Honda to launch the Elevate SUV in the festive season.

• It plans to introduce five SUVs in India, including the Elevate EV, by 2030.

• The Elevate EV would likely offer a claimed range of 400-450km.

• Honda could price the Elevate from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).

• The Elevate EV would likely be priced close to the Rs 20 lakh mark as a rival to the MG ZS EV.

The Honda Elevate recently broke cover in India. In the midst of the event, Honda revealed its future India plans while also giving an important update on the new compact SUV’s powertrain options.

No Strong-hybrid On Offer

While we were expecting Honda to give the Elevate SUV the same petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options as the City sedan, the carmaker has skipped the latter. Turns out, Honda has planned to move straight ahead with a fully electric derivative of the SUV, which will be introduced by 2026.

Until then, the Elevate will only come with the City’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (121PS/145Nm). It will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic.

Related: Honda To Bet On SUVs/e-SUVs for India, To Open Elevate Bookings In July 2023

Tell Me More About The Elevate EV

Not much is known about the Elevate EV as of now, except that it will be coming to us in the next three years. We do believe that it could offer a competitive claimed range of around 400-450km with a battery compatible for DC fast charging. Honda might position it as a rival to the MG ZS EV, priced at around the Rs 20-lakh mark (ex-showroom).

…In The Meantime

The Elevate is Honda’s newest offering, destined to compete in the hotly contested compact SUV space in India. It is bigger than the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq-VW Taigun duo in almost all dimensions but lacks certain must-have features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats, available on most of its prime rivals. It is expected to hit showrooms this festive season, with prices ranging from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).

Related: Check Out The Honda Elevate’s Exterior In These 10 Images