By all accounts, the Honda e was a reasonably good electrical automotive. It price manner an excessive amount of and had a lot too quick a variety, however apart from that, it was terrific. Not surprisingly, it bought in very small numbers. Little question Honda misplaced a ton of cash on the automobile.
However a journey of a thousand miles begins with however a single step, in accordance with an previous Chinese language proverb. Now Honda is again with one other battery electrical mannequin for the UK and European markets that’s, for all intents and functions, a BEV model of the HR-V. Honda calls it a trendy B-segment SUV and has given it the completely confounding title of e:Ny1. How do you pronounce that? Enyone? E-Anybody? Honda doesn’t say.
Revealed on the Honda European Media Occasion in Offenbach, Germany, final week, it’s the firm’s second battery electrical providing for European and UK clients and is designed to satisfy the rising buyer demand for absolutely electrical B-segment SUVs. The Volkswagen ID.3 is a C-segment automobile — that gives you some concept concerning the measurement of the latest Honda.
Honda e:N Architecure F Platform
The e:Ny1 is constructed on the all new Honda e:N Structure F, a front-wheel-drive platform centered on three elementary attributes — a devoted high-rigidity physique construction, a low middle of gravity, and thoroughly managed underfloor aerodynamics to make sure the SUV delivers a enjoyable and confidence-inspiring drive. We aren’t positive what underfloor dynamics need to do with enjoyable and confidence-inspiring driving, however they little question assist the e:Ny1 to realize essentially the most vary doable, which is an efficient factor.
The e:N Structure F platform incorporates a high-performance, light-weight drive unit that integrates the facility electronics, electrical motor, and gearbox. This generates a most output of 150 kW (201 hp), with 310 Nm (229 ft-lb) of torque and is engineered to offer easy and cozy acceleration and deceleration.
Below the ground sits a 68.8 kWh high-capacity, lithium-ion battery that delivers as much as 412 km (256 mi) of vary (WLTP). Utilizing a DC quick charger, the e:Ny1 may be recharged from 10% to 80% state of cost in 45 minutes.
Courtesy of Honda
Right here’s extra from the Honda press launch. The corporate says the e:Ny1 presents a recent, distinctive design and the newest superior expertise. The e:Ny1 follows Honda’s human-centered improvement philosophy which makes the a lot of the automotive’s absolutely electrical powertrain to ship an SUV with fun-to-drive dynamics, a easy and refined experience, and intuitive versatility.
A daring and complex exterior aesthetic is created by a brief entrance overhang, massive wheels, and a large monitor. The e:Ny1 additionally debuts an all-new electrical id for Honda, with white “H” badges that includes across the automobile, together with the nostril badge, wheel middle caps, and steering wheel. As well as, a brand new typeface spells out “Honda” on the tailgate for a premium look that shall be a characteristic on the model’s future EVs. We don’t find out about you, however we don’t suppose the paint colour in your brand is one thing that must be featured in a press launch.
The hype continues. Honda says intelligent packaging of the electrical drivetrain elements ensures the e:Ny1 presents outstanding inside house and luxury. An all-new middle console includes a easy format of simply accessible buttons, a number of storage choices, and wi-fi charging.
Now, these are issues value highlighting. There’s a pattern away from utilizing a touchscreen to regulate all of the options of a automotive, one thing pioneered by Tesla. Touchscreens have their place however many drivers are fairly comfy tuning their very own radio or opening the glove compartment with out drilling down by means of a number of menus.
Courtesy of Honda
The dashboard of the e:Ny1 does supply a big 15.1-inch touchscreen that gives entry to a complete suite of infotainment and driving choices.
An all-new chassis developed particularly for battery electrical automobiles has ensured improved torsional rigidity. Key to that is high-tensile metal, used throughout 47% of the e:Ny1’s physique (by weight). Alongside the brand new platform and powertrain, these mix to supply the dynamic efficiency, distinctive consolation, and refinement drivers will anticipate from Honda’s newest EV.
“The e:Ny1 is the logical subsequent step on our electrification journey in Europe,” mentioned Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President at Honda Motor Europe Ltd. “Our improvement philosophy blends clever, customer-centric expertise with stunning design and fun-to-drive dynamics. This newest SUV exemplifies Honda’s dedication to electrification and is the newest step on Honda’s electrification journey.”
The e:Ny1 And Styling
Courtesy of Honda
We regularly complain about overly fussy styling, however on this case there are not any such worries. Whereas the Honda e was cute and funky — and represented a contemporary tackle the unique Honda Civic from 1973 — the e:Ny1 is someplace between blah and bland. There definitely is little concerning the look of the automotive that might trigger anybody’s pulse charge to speed up. We’re used to raised from Honda.
Honda does have some quite good wanting electrical SUVs scheduled to reach quickly in North America, particularly the Prologue, however that could be a considerably bigger automobile crafted to attraction particularly to America tastes. The e:Ny1 is a snoozer by comparability.
The Takeaway
It’s onerous to guage how Europeans and people within the UK will react to the Honda e:Ny1 till we all know extra about pricing. The Honda e price manner an excessive amount of cash for what it was. B-segment automobiles attraction principally to clients who’re centered on worth quite than pizzazz and ought to be priced accordingly.
Volkswagen says it’s engaged on a B-segment electrical automotive that it claims will promote for €25,000, so that implies the place the Honda e:Ny1 must be in an effort to be aggressive. The Honda e beginning worth with a 35.5 kWh battery was slightly below £30,000, so Honda might want to have discovered methods to scale back the price of the e:Ny1 quite dramatically. The corporate didn’t reveal when the e:Ny1 is anticipated to be in showrooms or when pricing info shall be forthcoming.
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