Honda releases more technical detail about Honda e EV
03 July 2019
Honda has released more technical details about the upcoming Honda e urban EV.
The Honda e is equipped with a high-power electric motor delivering up to approximately 150PS (110 kW) and torque in excess of 300 N·m. The 35.5 kWh battery in the Honda e is one of the most compact in its class, contributing to an exceptional balance of low weight, fast-charging capability of 80% in 30 minutes, and a range of more than 200 km (124 miles), suited for every day urban commuting.
Honda engineers paid special attention to enhancing the driving dynamics to deliver a fun and engaging experience. With the battery located low under the vehicle floor, the car’s center of gravity is approximately 50 cm from the ground. With a 50:50 weight distribution, wide yet compact size and short overhangs at the front and rear, the Honda e delivers an optimal balance of stability and handling performance to the compact electric car segment.
To help deliver a sporty character, power is delivered through the rear wheels, which also enables a greater steering articulation for the front wheels. As a result, the turning radius is approximately 4.3 meters, ensuring the Honda e is exceptionally maneuverable in small city streets.
The low center of gravity and planted stature of the Honda e allows body roll to be managed without stiffly-sprung suspension, delivering outstanding handling through fast lane changes. Honda engineers benchmarked the ride quality of the car against larger segment cars, utilizing a four-wheel independent McPherson Strut design to ensure a comfortable and refined ride for occupants.
The Honda e will also offer Single Pedal Control, enabling the driver to accelerate and slow the car using only the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator pedal is depressed the car will accelerate as normal; when it is released, automatic regenerative braking will occur, and will slow the car.
The Single Pedal Control improves driving efficiency in urban environments and reduces the need to use multiple pedals, making the drive more engaging, exciting and seamless with maximum control for the driver.
High-strength materials used in the skeletal structure contribute to structural rigidity while also reducing weight. This lightweight chassis provides the ideal platform from which to fine tune suspension and steering settings for a dynamic driving experience. The Honda e’s dynamic characteristics can be further enhanced by Sport Mode, which boosts performance through faster acceleration response.
Honda’s new compact electric car forms part of the brand’s strategy to feature electrified powertrains in all cars it sells in Europe by 2025.
The production version of the Honda e will be unveiled later this year, and customers can make a reservation for priority ordering online.
Will it be available in the US market or just Europe (and Japan)? Cost? When I clicked the online ordering link, I got a quote 0f 800 British Pounds for the reservation fee but no total cost.
The specs are reasonable for urban commuting. The styling is a bit retro and not very exciting but not as ugly as the original Nissan Leaf. I think that Honda is going to be playing a catch up game in this market.
Posted by: sd | 03 July 2019 at 08:22 AM
I don't see myself trading my Tesla model 3 for one of these, but like seeing Honda getting into the game, wish Toyota would get in the game.
Posted by: ErockFishe | 03 July 2019 at 08:29 PM
Confusion reigns over its recharging speed. Tesla quote 1000 MPH for its latest/best combo. But the Honda appears to add less than 200 MPH, which is problematic in a car with such short range. A 200 mile highway journey would be more bearable with a few minutes recharge instead of half an hour or more.
Posted by: Bernard Harper | 04 July 2019 at 01:50 AM
Fun retro styling. I am wondering if it will be competition/replacement for the Fiat 500e or VW eGolf. I guess it will come down to price and volume.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 04 July 2019 at 10:59 AM
Strictly a retro, small, limited range e-car?
Will it sell for $10K or less?
Posted by: HarveyD | 05 July 2019 at 08:23 AM
Appears that the Honda e will compete with the new electric Mini.
It may be slim pickings though. To see how 115-125 mile EVs sell, the sales numbers for the Ford Focus electric may be instructive: 516 for 2018 (discontinued mid-year after selling in the double digits per mo).
The even less capable Honda Clarity Electric and Fiat 500e are in double digits for each month this year.
Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf Plus, Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro, 2020 Soul EV, Tesla Model 3 will all go nearly twice the distance on a charge.
Hard to see this being a car that brings people onto the dealer lot the way the heavily discounted Fit EV did several years ago.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 10 July 2019 at 08:04 PM
It’s meant to be a city car. It’s only going to be sold in Japan, at least initially.
Given that, the range it provides, the time to charge, all the specs are very well suited to the market. Those of us in the US who live in densely populated cities and surrounding areas Would have no problems with those range numbers in a daily driver.
In other words, you’re comparing it to cars meant for different markets. In some cases, like the Fiat, you’re comparing it to compliance cars.
The Honda E is gonna sell like crazy. It’s a beautiful car. The dashboard is so obvious you wonder why more cars haven’t done it this way yet.
And why the US hasn’t gotten around to approving side-cameras as a full replacement for side-view mirrors (the E has none, just cameras).
Posted by: D | 29 August 2019 at 04:10 PM