As cute as a button, the Honda E has returned in a fresh set of images depicting a near-production prototype wearing a lime green paint while sitting alongside a white example. The new photo gallery accompanies a press release that contains some important information as we now finally get to learn more about the electric motor's output numbers.
The zero-emissions city car will be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor delivering approximately 150 PS, which works out to about 148 bhp. Honda says torque will exceed 221 pound-feet (300 Newton metres), and as it is the case with all EVs, it’ll be available from the get-go.
Gallery: 2020 Honda E prototype
Performance details have not been disclosed by Honda, but Autocar has driven the prototype and they say it will do 0 to 60 mph in around eight seconds. The pint-sized electric car should be a blast to drive around town not just because of its more than decent output numbers, but also due to its rear-wheel-drive platform, 50:50 weight distribution, and a low centre of gravity. It will even have a dedicated “Sport Mode” that will sharpen up the accelerator response for improved performance, likely at the expense of battery energy.
It’s small size with short front and rear overhangs corroborated with a 4.3-metre turning radius should make it ideal for the urban jungle, while comfort for passengers will be granted by the four-wheel independent McPherson Strut setup. Replacing conventional side mirrors, cameras will come as standard equipment even on the base model and will be accompanied by two screens mounted at the corners of the modern dashboard.
Gallery: Honda e - Side Camera Mirror System
Honda wishes to remind us the E will utilise a 35.5-kWh battery pack billed as being one of the most compact in its class. It will have enough juice for more than 124 miles and it’ll take half an hour to replenish the battery to an 80% level thanks to fast-charging capabilities. The range should be more than adequate for what will essentially be a city car, but we should point out the new Renault Zoe has 242 miles of range thanks to a bigger 52-kWh battery.
The diminutive Honda E will premiere in production form later this year, but you can already pre-order one here in the UK.
Get up to speed with the Honda E:
Gallery: Honda e (choice of colours)
HONDA E: THE PERFECT BALANCE OF EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE FOR URBAN COMMUTING
- Honda e sets new standard for zero emissions urban motoring
- High-power, high-torque motor delivers a fun and effortless driving experience
- Rear-wheel-drive platform and advanced Honda electric vehicle technology assures exceptional driving characteristics
- Reservations for priority ordering are now open in select markets
The new Honda e has been engineered to deliver an exceptional driving experience in urban environments. With an outstanding blend of highly responsive dynamics, efficiency and performance, Honda’s next-generation electric vehicle will bring unrivalled fun-to-drive characteristics and usability to the compact electric car segment.
The Honda e, is equipped with a high-power electric motor delivering up to approximately 150PS (110 kW) and impressive torque in excess of 300Nm. The 35.5kWh 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 over 200km, perfect 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 centre of gravity is approximately 50cm 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 metres, ensuring the Honda e is exceptionally manoeuvrable in small city streets.
The low centre 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, utilising 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.
The Honda e is designed to meet the needs of the modern lifestyle. It achieves a unique combination of standout design, advanced functionality and sporty driving dynamics, to create the perfect vehicle for the urban environment.
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 in UK, Germany, France and Norway or register their interest in other European markets on the Honda national websites.