Honda Elevate EV 2026: 5 Key Highlights of the Upcoming ACE Project Electric SUV

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The Honda Elevate EV 2026 marks the brand’s entry into the electric SUV segment under the ACE Project. Here are five key highlights covering its design, performance, features, and India launch timeline.

The Indian electric vehicle market is heating up, and Honda Cars India is preparing its biggest move yet. The Honda Elevate EV (codenamed DG9D) is scheduled for an August 2026 launch, marking the brand’s first serious entry into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) space.

As part of the highly secretive Project ACE (Asian Compact Electric), this SUV isn't just a petrol-to-electric conversion; it's a global project engineered right here in India. Here are the 5 essential things to know about the upcoming Honda Elevate EV.

Key Highlights:

High-Stance Practicality: A major USP is its high ground clearance (~190-200 mm), ensuring it retains the "pothole-proof" DNA of the original petrol Elevate.
Performance & Range: It is expected to offer a competitive real-world range of ~330–360 km (with a claimed ARAI range of 400–450 km) powered by a 40–50 kWh battery pack.
Advanced Tech Suite: The EV will debut significant upgrades for the brand, including a 360-degree camera and Next-Gen Level 2 ADAS (Honda Sensing) features.

1. Born from ‘Project ACE’: India as a Global Export Hub

The "ACE" in Project ACE stands for Asian Compact Electric. Unlike competitors who often rely on localized kits, Honda has re-tooled its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan to be the primary production base for this global SUV.

Export Strategy: Interestingly, search trends indicate high interest in its global availability. Honda plans to export 50–70% of production from India to overseas markets, including Japan.
Why it matters: This global focus ensures that the build quality of the Indian Elevate EV will meet international standards, a major selling point for quality-conscious buyers.

Table 1: Key Specifications (Expected)

This table provides a glance at the technical heart of the Elevate EV.

Feature	Specification
Project Code	DG9D (Project ACE)
Battery Capacity	40 kWh-50 kWh (Lithium-ion)
Estimated Range	400-500 km (ARAI)
Real-world Range	330-360 km
Motor Type	Front-axle mounted single electric motor
Ground Clearance	190 mm-200 mm
Fast Charging	10% to 80% in <50 minutes (DC Fast Charge)
Expected Launch	August 15, 2026

2. Target Range and Battery Specifications

Honda Elevate EV range" is currently the #1 search query related to this car. To compete with the Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti Suzuki eVX, Honda is targeting a robust battery setup.

Battery Pack: Expect a 40 kWh to 50 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Expected Range: The Elevate EV is aimed at delivering a claimed ARAI range of 400–450 km.
Real-World Performance: For daily city commutes and occasional highway runs, users can expect a real-world range of approximately 320–350 km, effectively eliminating range anxiety for most Indian families.

Table 2: 2026 Rivalry – Elevate EV vs. Competitors

Customers are heavily searching for how Honda stacks up against the upcoming market leaders.

Feature	Honda Elevate EV	Hyundai Creta EV	Maruti e-Vitara
Battery Size	40-50 kWh	45 kWh	48-60 kWh
Top USP	High Ground Clearance	Feature-Rich Cabin	AWD Option (Allgrip-e)
ADAS Level	Level 2 (Honda Sensing)	Level 2 Smart Sense	Level 2 ADAS
Highlight Tech	360-Degree Cam & ACE Platform	Ventilated Seats & V2L	e-Axle Drive System
Expected Price	Rs 18L-Rs 22L	Rs 18L-Rs 25L	Rs 17L-Rs 26l

3. Retaining the 220mm Ground Clearance DNA

One frequent concern for EV buyers is the low ground clearance resulting from floor-mounted batteries. Honda is leveraging the existing Elevate's high-riding architecture to solve this.

Pothole Ready: The petrol Elevate leads the segment with 220 mm ground clearance. Even with the battery pack, the EV version is expected to stay above the 190 mm mark, making it one of the most practical electric SUVs for Indian road conditions.
Platform: While it shares the platform with the ICE version, the ACE platform includes structural reinforcements to handle the extra weight of the battery while maintaining Honda's signature "stable" handling.

4. Tech Upgrades: 360-Degree Camera and ADAS Level 2

The 2026 model will address the "missing features" of the current petrol version. Customers are actively searching for "Elevate EV interior features" to see if it finally catches up to the competition.

Next-Gen Infotainment: Expect a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with a dedicated EV-telematics suite.
ADAS & Safety: The Honda Sensing (Level 2 ADAS) suite will be standard on high-spec trims. More importantly, rumors suggest the EV will finally debut a factory-fitted 360-degree camera, a feature currently only available as a dealership retrofit in the petrol model.

Table 3: Variant-Wise Feature Expectations

A breakdown of how Honda might distribute features to keep the starting price competitive.

Variant	Key Expected Features
V (Base)	6-airbags, 8-inch touchscreen, LED headlamps, automatic climate control
VX (mild)	wireless charger, 17-inch aero-alloys, sunroof, lane watch camera
ZX (Top)	Level 2 ADAS, 10.25-inch screen, 360-degree camera, leatherette seats

5. Expected Launch Date and Competitive Pricing

The official Honda Elevate EV launch date is tipped for August 2026, likely around Independence Day, following Honda’s tradition of major August reveals.

Estimated Price: To stay competitive in the "value-luxury" bracket, the Honda Elevate EV is expected to have a price in India starting between ₹18 Lakh and ₹22 Lakh (ex-showroom).
The Rivalry: This pricing puts it in direct battle with the Hyundai Creta EV, the Tata Curvv EV, and the Maruti Suzuki eVX.

Elevate EV vs. Competitors: Quick Snapshot

Feature	Honda Elevate EV (2026)	Hyundai Creta EV
Battery Size	40-50 kWh	45 kWh
Claimed Range	450 km	450+ km
Ground Clearance	200 mm	190 mm
Key Advantage	High stance	Feature-loaded interior
Estimated Price	Rs 18-Rs 22 Lakh	Rs 18-Rs 25 Lakh

Conclusion

The 2026 Honda Elevate EV is more than just another electric car; it is a calculated masterstroke by Honda to reclaim its dominance in the premium SUV space. By leveraging the successful Project ACE platform, Honda is offering a rare combination of global build quality and Indian ruggedness.