Thursday 13th June 2019

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

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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...

 

[EyeHeartSpellin]

The concept was amazing

[steveb8189]

EyeHeartSpellin said:

The concept was amazing

Except the wheels is it really that much different? I've certainly seen concepts being butchered more - or not made at all

[Krikkit]

steveb8189 said:

EyeHeartSpellin said:

The concept was amazing

Except the wheels is it really that much different? I've certainly seen concepts being butchered more - or not made at all

I keep thinking exactly this - the concept and production versions both look amazing and very similar.

Anyone who expects a concept car to make it unaltered to production is a dreamer, and imho Honda have the best conversion rate. (Civic, NSX, this)

ETA:

[Bob Dong]

The wheels aren't very nice but I would absolutely love one of these on Hayashi cherry blossoms or something just to tootle around in.

[parabolica]

Very bizarre as I spent this morning looking at the E prototype on Honda website. Never really considered an electric car before but this looks tempting, especially as my council have just installed lamp post-charging point all along my street; guess it'll come down to how expensive it is.

[stuckmojo]

I love that

[Christmassss]

I like it, but then i have a thing for the Nissan Cube too.

This is currently the only EV that has me tempted, would make a decent commuter

[3795mpower]

They made the general cabin/dash layout a facsimile of an i3 interior.

Imitation the best form of flattery etc.

[Norbury90]

I think this looks really cool. The sort of thing I would mind to use to drive to and from work, which is the first time I have thought this about an electric car. What's happening to me?
I would want to change the wheels for something minilite-esque though.

Edited by Norbury90 on Thursday 13th June 12:39

[3795mpower]

[parabolica]

I like the retro look of the interior. Interesting approach to side mirrors.

[Bob Dong]

3795mpower said:

Pics

These are literally nothing alike what the heck

[Dannbodge]

I love this as well.
Such a cool looking car.

[E65Ross]

3795mpower said:

You've just posted 2 somewhat different interior shots up, I'm not sure I see your point?

[DoctorX]

parabolica said:

Very bizarre as I spent this morning looking at the E prototype on Honda website. Never really considered an electric car before but this looks tempting, especially as my council have just installed lamp post-charging point all along my street; guess it'll come down to how expensive it is.

Lamp post charging? Tell us more, didn’t realise this was going to be a thing...

[Ellb123]

Very interesting car!

Side mirrors are an interesting idea too, using cameras really cleans up the look of the car... how long before this catches on to the mainstream cars? Surprised we have not seen this earlier. (Awaits to be proven wrong in classic PH style)

[paulyv]

DoctorX said:

Lamp post charging? Tell us more, didn’t realise this was going to be a thing...

Yes Southwark council recently sent a questionnaire around the borough to see what demand might be for this. A good idea for people like myself who live in a flat.

[parabolica]

DoctorX said:

Lamp post charging? Tell us more, didn’t realise this was going to be a thing...

Uses existing infrastructure to deliver power. There is a QR code above each plug to help you log into your account and pay for the charging.

ETA urgh sorry about the pic rotation...

[DoctorX]

Cool, thanks. Hope this is rolled out in my area.

[parabolica]

Ellb123 said:

Very interesting car!

Side mirrors are an interesting idea too, using cameras really cleans up the look of the car... how long before this catches on to the mainstream cars? Surprised we have not seen this earlier. (Awaits to be proven wrong in classic PH style)

There was a thread on this in past week; all the usual moaners going on about how it's one more thing to break etc. Apparently a few commercial vehicles/HGVs already have them in their newest models.