Honda e spec details revealed

50:50 weight distribution, a range in excess of 125 miles and rapid charge capability confirmed - see it at Goodwood

While perhaps not as dramatic in production form as was suggested by the Urban EV concept, there's considerable excitement around the new Honda e. After all, this is a company with a genuinely innovative history in electric cars - think original Insight (which is now 20 years old) and the latest NSX as two examples. Applying that knowledge to a funky, affordable city car sounds like an eminently sensible idea, a theory backed up by 31,000 pre-orders - 9,000 of which have come from the UK.

Ahead of the ePrototype being shown to the British public next month, Honda has announced a few key spec details of the new city car. The battery has a capacity of 35.5kWh, chargeable through either a Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charger (the latter will give the e 80 per cent of its charge in 30 minutes). Fully juiced, Honda says a range of more than 125 miles is possible. For reference, the range of a BMW i3 is rated at 160 miles, so the Honda isn't a world away.

Of just as much interest are the platform details; naturally the e uses bespoke underpinnings, with Honda confirming that a centrally mounted, low lying battery gives a 50:50 weight distribution. It's rear-wheel drive, too, with a promise of "excellent Honda driving dynamics." Furthermore, the double wishbone suspension set up uses forged aluminium bits to keep it light, and is said to offer "outstanding stability in all conditions, a smooth ride and responsive handling."

All encouraging points for the e, then, ones that should only heighten the eagerness of those waiting to get one. Following a dynamic debut for the ePrototype at the Festival of Speed next month, the production car will be seen before the year is out and be on the road in 2020. We're almost six months through 2019, don't forget...