BR@Bureau
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday unveiled the first electric vehicle model of Honda Cars India — the Honda 0 Alpha — during a meeting with the company’s delegation at the Chief Minister’s Office in Jaipur.
The electric vehicle will be manufactured at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, with production scheduled to begin later this year. The project involves an investment of around ₹1,200 crore, marking a significant step toward strengthening the state’s electric mobility ecosystem.
Rajasthan Emerging as EV Manufacturing Hub
Welcoming the development, the Chief Minister described Honda’s decision to produce its first EV model in Rajasthan as a matter of pride for the state. He said the move reflects growing global confidence in Rajasthan’s industry-friendly policies and investment environment.
Sharma recalled that during his visit to Japan in September 2024 ahead of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, he had invited Honda’s leadership to expand electric vehicle manufacturing in the state in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India for the World.”
Government Support for EV Industry
The Chief Minister assured the company of full support from the state government, including infrastructure development and policy facilitation to promote EV manufacturing.
He said the government is committed to promoting green energy and sustainable mobility while generating employment opportunities. Rajasthan’s vast solar energy potential, combined with EV manufacturing, could significantly accelerate the state’s economic growth, he added.
Tapukara Plant to Become Major EV Production Centre
Honda representatives informed the Chief Minister that the Tapukara facility will be developed into a major hub for electric vehicle production. The EV models manufactured at the plant will cater to both domestic demand and international export markets.
Takashi Nakajima noted that the Tapukara plant is a key production hub for the company in India, producing vehicles and components for both domestic and global markets. He added that Honda has already built a strong automotive ecosystem in Rajasthan through its supplier network and two-wheeler manufacturing operations.
State Promoting Electric Mobility
Highlighting Rajasthan’s push for electric mobility, the Chief Minister said the state government is offering subsidies on EV purchases and establishing charging infrastructure through a single-window system.
He also pointed out that under the state’s vehicle scrapping policy, incentives are being provided to encourage the scrapping of vehicles older than 15 years and the purchase of new, cleaner vehicles.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Chief Secretary V. Srinivas along with members of the Honda delegation from Japan.
