Honda Motor Company has confirmed that its upcoming electric vehicle, the 0 Series Alpha, launching in India by 2027, will be equipped with battery cells produced in Indonesia by Chinese manufacturer CATL, according to Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe at the Japan Mobility Show.
This strategic move aims to reduce India's heavy reliance on direct battery cell imports from China, addressing major supply chain vulnerabilities amid tense geopolitical relations between the two nations.
Mibe explained that Honda implements region-specific battery procurement strategies globally, partnering with LG in North America through a joint venture, sourcing directly from CATL in China, and utilizing domestic suppliers in Japan to optimize logistics for each market.
The 0 Alpha SUV will feature LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries suitable for hot climates, with two battery pack options likely ranging between 65kWh to 75kWh capacity, and an expected driving range exceeding 500 kilometers, making it competitive in India's midsize electric SUV segment.
Beyond the 0 Alpha, Honda plans an aggressive expansion in India with 10 new model launches by 2030, encompassing both battery electric vehicles and an expanded hybrid lineup, as the automaker currently offers hybrid technology on only one of its three available models in the Indian market.
