- Showcases Honda’s new EV platform
- 124-mile range promised
- 80-percent fast recharge in 30 minutes
- Slated for Japan and European markets
A new urban electric vehicle called the Honda e Prototype made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is an evolution of the Japanese automaker’s Urban EV show car presented in Tokyo two years ago. Honda says it is part of the company’s “Electric Vision” strategy for Europe.
The cute city car is said to have a range of 124 miles and a fast charge capability that will replenish 80-percent of the battery’s juice in just 30 minutes. Honda is promising production versions of the vehicle, the Japanese home market, later this year with other markets to follow. However, it appears there’s no plan to export the EV to the U.S.
Simple, organic design
The Honda e Prototype has a clean, exterior design with round headlamps, a blacked-out area where the grille would reside dominated by the large “H” logo. In the hood’s front center, a black lid covers the charging port. The compact hatchback has four doors flush pop-out door handles. The door pulls on the rear doors are cleverly concealed midway up the door glass. Instead of conventional outside review mirrors, the Honda e Prototype has stalk-mounted cameras in their place.
Inside, the cockpit features a shelf-like dashboard with video displays that stretch nearly door-to-door. Like the exterior, the design is crisp and clean. The horizontal look is reinforced by the vents, which run from the center of the dash to the passenger door. Beneath, there are controls for the HVAC system, a pod with plugs and USB ports and a small center console with a controller for the infotainment system.
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New EV platform
Honda’s new EV-specific architecture underpins the e Prototype, which emphasizes a fun-to-drive nature by using a rear-drive electric motor and a long wheelbase for ride comfort. Floor-mounted batteries also reduce the center of gravity. The wide track and short front and rear overhands also contribute to the vehicle’s urban maneuverability.
