ALTHOUGH IT’S HARDLY relevant to Australia, it’s enlightening to read the details Honda has released at the Frankfurt Motor Show regarding proposed pricing for the new Honda e EV.
The mass production version of the hotly anticipated vehicle will be unveiled today at Frankfurt Motor Show, following a summer of appearances across Europe for the prototype version.
Prices for Honda e will start from €29,470 ($AU47,346 at today’s exchange rate) in Germany (including local government subsidy) for the 100kW version, rising to €32,470 ($AU52,166) for the “Advance” grade that includes further specification and a motor output increased to 113kW. Of course, these prices include a subsidy, something Australia has steadfastly refused to consider. So it looks like the Honda e, should it ever arrive on these shores (see below) will price itself out of contention.
Those who have already placed a reservation for Honda e will be invited to contact their local dealer to secure an order, and a place as one of the first customers to receive the car. Order books for Honda e will be open in selected markets from September. Customers in UK, Germany, France and Norway are set to receive first deliveries from summer 2020.
Honda e is the first production battery electric vehicle launched by Honda in Europe and is the next step towards the brand’s electric vision for 100 percent of its European sales to be electrified by 2025.
“We’re pleased to be able to confirm the pricing for the Honda e. We have experienced a great level of excitement for the car across the region since the unveil of the prototype, gathering over 40,000 expressions of interest. Honda e is the embodiment of the brand’s commitment to electrification,” said Jean-Marc Streng, General Manager, Automobile Division, Honda Motor Europe.
The Honda e for Australia? Don’t hold your breath
“While we have no concrete plans yet we are looking into what is possible for Honda in Australia in this space, as the future technology available in the global Honda network is really exciting,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins.
“Electrification is a key part of our global plan and at Honda Australia, we have targeted 25 percent of our range being electrified (either Hybrid or BEV) by 2025. When the right product is available and the business case stacks up, we will be very excited to launch into the new era of electrification.”