Honda confirms small EV car details
Honda confirms the spec and look of their finalised EV hatch.
Honda today released studio shots and production specs of their new all-electric compact hatchback, which will be officially debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Pioneering vehicle styling
The Honda e must surely be set to become a landmark classic car design. Honda's stylists have worked hard to create a thoroughly futuristic-looking vehicle. The lines are uncomplicated, there's very little fuss and it's an excellent example of reductive design.
The minimal exterior hides some cutting-edge features. Upon closer inspection, you'll note the Honda e has a compact side camera system that replaces conventional mirrors. Honda says the camera housing's minimal protrusion has safety and aerodynamic advantages.
Convention is broken by the pop-out door handles that add to the clean look. Then there's that stripped-back, glossy front-end that resembles a robotic face.
Technology
The interior is quite unlike any other vehicle interior we've ever seen.
Five digital displays in a row fulfil the occupant's entertainment needs. The driver has the most screen real estate, with twin 12.3-inch touchscreens in lieu of more traditional dials. Two of the screens are tasked with displaying the live feed from the mirror cams. Lined-up, the screens run the entire width of the car. Sitting below the screen array is a surprising, but contemporary, wood trim piece.
Honda has also integrated connected services and apps. Passengers can interact with the car using vocal instructions thanks to the Honda Personal Assistant. Using artificial intelligence (AI), the system can determine what you're talking about contextually.
Honda explains this makes it more intuitive to converse with and means the vehicle will study your speech through use. The assistant is activated by the phrase "OK, Honda".
You'll also be able to use the My Honda+ app to stay connected with your car. This allows you to interact with the navigation system, monitor the vehicle's condition and charge state, operate the A/C, get a security brief and see where the vehicle is currently situated. The app even works as a digital key.
Specs
The Honda e will have two power settings, 100kW or 113kW. For a small car, it has an abundance of torque, which has been measured at a peak of 315Nm. We were astonished to learn it's also an RWD, which Honda asserts makes the car agile and entertaining to drive. To go from 0-100km/h takes only 8 seconds.
With a 35.5kWh power cell, the 'e' can travel a claimed 202.777km per charge. The Honda e offers fast charging, which allows the battery to reach 80% capacity in just 30 minutes.
The plucky hatch compares favourably against the likes of the second-gen Nissan Leaf. Nissan's EV has a slightly larger power pack, at 40kWh, which gives the car 70km extra range.
Availability and price
There's been no word on the pricing yet for the Honda e. For reference, Nissan's drive-away cost for the Leaf in Australia is $54,492. Honda is currently taking reservations for the Honda e in EU countries like France, Germany, Norway and the UK. The vehicle has yet to be officially confirmed for an Aussie launch.
Recent car reviews
- 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross Sport review
- McLaren 750S touches down in Australia
- Victoria’s EV tax scrapped: Motorists set to save $378
- 2023 CUPRA Born review
- Volvo EX30 launched in Australia
Picture: Supplied
