The Japanese automaker gears up for a new electric era in India, cutting dependence on China and focusing on regional partnerships for a smoother, sustainable future.

Honda Motor Company is getting ready to drive India into its electric future. The Japanese carmaker has announced that its first electric car for India, called the Honda 0 Series Alpha, will be launched in 2027. What makes this launch even more interesting is where the power will come from battery cells made by CATL in Indonesia.

Speaking at the Japan Mobility Show, Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe said that although the batteries use CATL’s technology, the cells will be produced in Indonesia and shipped to India. This decision is part of Honda’s larger plan to reduce its reliance on China and build a more stable, regional supply chain for electric vehicles.

India’s electric vehicle industry still depends heavily on Chinese imports, especially for battery cells and rare materials. But with domestic battery production still limited, many carmakers, including Honda, are now exploring new partners in Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea.

Honda is also taking a similar regional approach around the world. In North America, for instance, it has a joint venture with LG Energy Solution to build a battery plant in Ohio.

Along with its electric plans, Honda aims to launch 10 new models in India by 2030, including more hybrids. As Mibe explained, the goal is clear, to give Indian drivers exciting, efficient, and reliable vehicles for the future.