The production-ready version of Honda’s first mass-market EV is simply named the Honda e and it debuted at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is based on the Urban EV concept that made its premiere in 2017 and a pre-production version was shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. With the final production-spec unveil, we now have more details and specifications of the Honda e.
Honda has fitted the e with a 35.5kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery feeding power to an electric motor that will offer two power outputs – 100kW(134bhp) and 113kW(151bhp) – while the peak torque remains the same at 315Nm. The claimed acceleration figures for the Honda e state that this is a fast little panda and can do 0-100kph in around 8 seconds.
The claimed range for this small EV is 220km which is less than some of the other new EVs but plenty for the average intra-city commuter. Honda says the e can fast charge in 30 minutes to replenish 80 per cent of the battery from empty through a CCS2 (combined charging system) DC fast charger.
While the final Honda e misses out on some of the cooler design aspects of the Urban EV prototypes like the three-door layout and fancy wheels, it retains the use of cameras instead of the ORVMs. It will also come with the dual 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens that are part of the Honda e digital dashboard which has a total of 5 screens. Nearly all of the features seen on the prototype at Geneva have made it through to the final model.
It’s a new age EV and as such the Honda e is also equipped with connected services and applications that can be accessed via voice command using an AI facility called the Honda Personal Assistant. The activation phrase for it is also quite a common one: “OK Honda” — perhaps to make an easier transition to the Honda e from another connected vehicle.
The Honda e will be available in a small range of bright colours, all with the black snout to cover the charging port up front. Bookings for the Honda e are open in select European countries and Japan of course. It may not be a revolutionary Honda EV for the world, but it’s a great start. Hopefully, it will be followed by a production-spec version of the Honda Sport EV Concept.
What do you think of the Honda e? Would you buy one for your small trips around the city, offset your carbon footprint? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to The Auto Loons for more cool updates from the car world.
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