The all-new Honda e
The all-new Honda e
The Honda e prototype premiered at the Geneva International Motor Show 2019, and now this electric supermini is almost ready to hit the road, with the Japanese manufacturer taking reservations now. The striking design is based on the Urban EV concept car revealed in 2017, and while this final version doesn’t feature all of that fantasy car’s outlandish elements, it’s comes pretty close. This is the first step of Honda’s Electric Vision – their aim for 100% of European sales to be hybrid or full electric by 2025.
While the look might be minimalist, the styling is based on Honda’s rich heritage. The shape bears a strong resemblance to the 1970s classic Honda Civic Mk1 and with the same round headlights and square indicators below the grille, this look evokes more than a little nostalgia. It’s also a signal of intent. The Civic launched more than 45 years ago and has spawned a legacy. Now in its tenth incarnation, it remains a favourite both as a family car and a hot hatch. The Honda e seems destined to have a similar impact.
The Honda e can travel 125 miles on a full charge, making it perfect for everyday driving. And with perfect weight distribution and power sent to the rear wheels, you can be sure you’ll enjoy a responsive drive. Using fast charge, the 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery can reach 80% of capacity in just 30 minutes. The charger is integrated into the car’s bonnet, perfectly located for pulling up to a charging point in a parking space. It’s also easy to see the charging status with an LED display. You can charge at home with either a conventional plug or dedicated charging point and when you’re out on the road, you’ll be able to top up your battery life using the nationwide network of charging points.
Beneath that smooth finish is a wealth of technology that exemplifies the car’s futuristic aesthetic. Cameras have replaced conventional wing mirrors with displays shown on two six-inch screens located at either end of the dashboard. There’s a good reason for this cool tech. As the cameras are far smaller than mirrors, they don’t extend beyond the width of the wheel arches, which means there’s a huge reduction in drag, making the car more efficient; with the added bonus that the view on the in-cabin screens should greatly reduce blind spots. And if you’re worried about the rain spoiling your view, the camera housing is shaped to avoid water dropping on the lens, and the surface is coated in water-repellent to avoid any build-up. Those small aerodynamic details continue with the pop-out door handles keeping everything aligned until they are required. You’ll also benefit from a number of driver assistance systems, keeping you safe on the road.
The cabin is contemporary and uncluttered with a flat floor creating an open space. The elongated digital dashboard, comprising two 12.3-inch displays, incorporates driver information and infotainment, all brought together with a concise graphical interface. And with no need for a gear stick, the styling centre console features conveniently placed buttons that allow you to select the driving mode.
Thanks to its innovative technology and unconventional good looks, the Honda e is already proving popular, with 6,000 reserved in the UK alone. Register your interest below and we'll keep you informed of all the latest Honda e developments.
