Honda has revealed some official details on its upcoming EV, the Honda e. Order books for the compact electric car are already open, ahead of a production car debut later this year and first deliveries in 2020.
The Honda e is the first Honda to be built on a dedicated EV platform, designed from the ground up “to deliver excellent Honda driving dynamics” and “to offer a rewarding, responsive driving experience.” The water-cooled 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery is positioned on the floor of the car, centrally within its wheelbase. This contributes to a low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution.
Of course, those attributes will be good for dynamics. Keen drivers would also be happy to know that the Honda e is rear-wheel-drive, enabling steering precision even during high acceleration, Honda says. The four-wheel independent suspension is engineered to offer stability in all conditions, a smooth ride and responsive handling. Certain suspension components are made from forged aluminium to reduce weight.
All the above, when combined with the Honda e’s small footprint and short overhangs, makes city driving enjoyable and tight manoeuvres in urban environments effortless, the Japanese carmaker says.
Honda’s upcoming EV can be charged using either a Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charger, which is a more universal choice compared to the CHAdeMO method Japanese EVs usually prefer. Fitting, since the Honda e is set to be a global car and will be marketed in Europe as well. DC rapid charging will provide 80% charge in 30 minutes.
The central charging port is on the bonnet, just above the front Honda logo and it includes at-a-glance LED indication of charging status, visible through a glass panel. Displays on the dual touchscreens inside the car present the current level of battery charge, while a drivetrain graphic charts the current power flow and the regeneration and recharging status.
The quoted range of “over 200 km” doesn’t sound like much in today’s landscape, but should be still adequate as an urban runabout. For context, the larger Hyundai Kona Electric comes with two powertrain options – a 39.2 kWh version with a 300 km range and a long-range 64 kWh model with up to 470 km of range.
The modern yet retro-looking Honda e is a key part of the brand’s commitment to feature electrified technology in 100% of its European sales by 2025. The company has already received 31,000 expressions of interest in the continent. Cute, right?
GALLERY: Honda e Prototype at Geneva 2019
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take my money, now!!
Eventhough car is a beauty, I wont let them take my money. I’m waiting for Proton to release the Iriz EV and Proton can take my money because I want Barang Buatan Malaysia. Don’t understand why until today Proton are still scared to released the game changing Iriz EV. Postpone longer then the Iriz EV will be game over as Perodua will release their EV sooner.
Biggest joke of the day! Perodua habuk hybrid pun tarak, berangan nak buat EV pulak? 1.5 engine and 4AT is the most advanced powertrain Perodua will ever get.
since when proton plan to come out iriz ev? day dreaming?
It’s also going to be a premium offering. It’s not going to be cheap. But you do get a retro looking RWD Honda. Now that is something special.
Looks a future concept car made in the 1970s has kept the traditional Japanese cheap plastic touches
Likely will arrive here before Toyota’s EV and much much sooner than Perodua EV. I am still waiting for Myvi EV. Where is it?
Perodua never said that they will make an EV car. Proton did. They even showcased their Iriz EV. Cakap 2017 will be released tapi now where is it?? LOL
Meh! Proton said they will make an EV car which they did. They also said they will sell the car when the time is right, and right now the market isn’t ready. On the other hand, Perodua have access to EV technology from Toyota & Daihatsu so why wait for Proton to release an EV car? They should go ahead to release their own and not waiting for Proton. Why always Perodua need Proton to give them a kick up the arse everytime they are forced to make improvements? They should stop sleeping after being 30 years old.
They can come out but later you say battery price too costly, so how?
Then Proton shouldn’t have even made the concept car in the first place
Well duh! Which is why it’s called a “concept car”. Brush up on your English understanding.
Here it is https://paultan.org/2015/09/10/proton-iriz-ev-300-km-electric-car-on-display-at-igem/
Released 2 years earlier than planned.
Our Perodua spokesperson just confirmed above that Perodua has promised to release their EV soon but until now rarer than an Iriz Razer.
A beautiful futuristic car. Wow, it will sell like hotcakes for sure. What a shame, our Proton showcased the Iriz EV only once and until now, there is no news about it. All the money wasted
Rubbish design but ppl will buy it because its a Honda mah. Brand powerful sure can sell wan. Overhyped boring vehicle. Malaysians sure buy 98 percent of all their stock if it is sold here. Lol.
Manufactured in malaysia ?… nah.. better buy another brand. Bad QC..
The truth is our petrol and electricity price in malaysia is priced in a way that operating an electric ev is MORE expensive than paying for petrol. That is why it never took off eventhough we already hav the tech. Who would want to pay more for electric than what we already pay for petrol for the same distance or travel?
Sit Lrt laaah, everyone…..soon, Klang will have also !!!
Honda nowadays going Green and good for all green lovers. This baby is not slow and fun to drive on kampongs roads
i can see a much nicer infotainment system…current system honda uses is awful
No price mention?