Correction (Aug 1, 2026): this article originally listed the Honda Elevate EV as expected in August 2026. Honda has since confirmed the Elevate EV was cancelled — see the corrected section below.
August 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest months yet for electric SUVs in India. Tata has already launched the Sierra EV at Rs 18.79 lakh, and Mahindra’s Thar.e is expected to follow within weeks. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still expected pricing, and — since it’s been asked about a lot — what actually happened to Honda’s electric SUV plans.
Tata Sierra EV: Now Officially Launched
The Tata Sierra EV is priced from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 25.99 lakh (ex-showroom) across 5 variants. Bookings are open, and deliveries begin July 15, 2026.
Tata is offering two battery options — a 63 kWh pack and a larger 75 kWh pack — with claimed ranges of 565 km and 665 km respectively. DC fast charging can take the battery from 20% to 80% in about 26 minutes. A QWD (quad-wheel-drive, Tata’s twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup) option is also available on higher variants, a first for the brand’s EV lineup.
The Sierra EV revives Tata’s iconic 1990s nameplate with a boxy, retro-modern design language, and it’s aimed squarely at the growing compact-to-midsize electric SUV segment. For more on Tata’s broader EV lineup, see our Tata Motors EV brand deep dive.
Mahindra Thar.e: Expected Around August 15
Mahindra’s electric take on the Thar is widely expected to launch around August 15, 2026, though Mahindra hasn’t issued an official confirmation at the time of writing. Reported price estimates vary by source — some peg it at Rs 20-25 lakh, others at Rs 25-30 lakh — so treat the final number as unconfirmed until Mahindra’s own announcement.
Specification reports point to a battery pack in the 60-75 kWh range with dual motors (one per axle) for genuine 4WD capability, keeping the Thar’s off-road credentials intact in electric form. Two variants — AX and LX — are rumoured for launch.
Correction: The Honda Elevate EV Was Cancelled
Honda’s electric SUV based on the Elevate was widely reported as an August 2026 India launch candidate — but Honda has since confirmed the Elevate EV project was scrapped, announced around the Japan Mobility Show 2025. It will not launch in India.
In its place, Honda is developing the Honda 0 Alpha, a made-for-India compact electric SUV with local manufacturing and export plans, expected to launch in early 2027. A separate, more premium model — the Honda 0 SUV — is expected as a CBU (imported) model around mid-2027. Honda has confirmed its first genuinely new electric car for India will debut sometime between April 2026 and March 2027, but it will not be based on the Elevate as originally planned.
Side-by-Side: What’s Actually Coming
| Model | Status | Price (ex-showroom) | Claimed Range | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Sierra EV | Launched | Rs 18.79-25.99 lakh | 565-665 km | 63 kWh / 75 kWh |
| Mahindra Thar.e | Expected ~Aug 15, 2026 | Rs 20-30 lakh (unconfirmed) | 400+ km (reported) | ~60-75 kWh (reported) |
| Honda 0 Alpha | Cancelled Elevate EV’s replacement — expected early 2027 | Not yet disclosed | Not yet disclosed | Not yet disclosed |
How They Fit Into the Market
Tata Motors currently holds over 38% of India’s EV car market, with 12,187 units sold in June 2026 alone (up 126.73% year-on-year), so the Sierra EV’s launch reinforces rather than disrupts the brand’s lead. The Sierra EV competes against the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, Maruti e Vitara, MG ZS EV, VinFast VF6/VF7, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella. For the current sales leaderboard, see our best-selling electric cars India report.
India’s overall EV car market grew 35% year-on-year through June 2026, with monthly sales crossing 55,000 units — the fastest growth pace of any major EV market globally. Mahindra’s Thar.e will add to that momentum this month; Honda’s contribution is now pushed out to 2027.
Should You Wait for Thar.e?
If off-road capability and the Thar’s cult following matter to you, waiting for official Thar.e pricing makes sense — a 4WD electric SUV in this shape is genuinely new territory for the segment. If you need a car now and the Sierra EV’s design and range numbers work for your budget, it’s the only one of these you can actually book and take delivery of today. If you were specifically waiting on Honda, you’re looking at a 2027 timeline now, not 2026. Our complete EV buying guide breaks down other options across every budget band.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Tata Sierra EV in India?
The Tata Sierra EV is priced from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 25.99 lakh (ex-showroom) across 5 variants, with two battery options offering 565 km and 665 km of claimed range.
When will the Mahindra Thar.e launch in India?
The Mahindra Thar.e is widely expected to launch around August 15, 2026, though Mahindra has not issued an official confirmation. Reported price estimates range from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh depending on the source.
Is the Honda Elevate EV launching in India?
No — Honda cancelled the Elevate EV project (confirmed around the Japan Mobility Show 2025). Honda’s first genuinely new electric car for India, the Honda 0 Alpha, is now expected in early 2027 instead, with a premium Honda 0 SUV expected around mid-2027.
Which electric SUV should I buy right now — Sierra EV or wait for Thar.e?
The Tata Sierra EV is currently available to book and take delivery of. If genuine 4WD off-road capability matters to you, the Thar.e (expected ~Aug 15, 2026) is worth waiting for, though its final pricing is still unconfirmed.
By Piyush P. Yadav
