THE RELENTLESS ADVANCE of electric cars continues, with Honda unveiling the first official images of its new Honda e electric vehicle (EV). The car is the next step towards Honda’s commitment to making 100 percent of its European automobile sales electrified by 2025. The new car makes its official public debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside Honda’s range of electrified and sporty automobiles.
Specifically designed as an EV
Developed with a focus on simplicity in design and usability, the Honda e will meet the needs of modern urban lifestyles through seamlessly integrated connected technologies and exceptional driving dynamics. Clean external lines are accentuated by the Side Camera Mirror System that replaces conventional side view mirrors with compact cameras, providing live images to two six-inch screens inside the vehicle. The camera technology, a first in the compact segment, brings significant benefits for styling, safety, aerodynamics and refinement. It does, however, raise the question of whether the additional expense and potential problems with cameras justifies ditching the simplicity of mirrors.
The car is distinguished in profile by its smooth styling contours, enhanced by pop-out door handles that provide a seamless look. Inside, a next-generation five screen full-width digital dashboard and connected infotainment system are incorporated within a relaxing and modern passenger cabin that uses subtle, contemporary materials.
The largest area of the Honda e’s full-width digital dashboard is occupied by dual 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens. These act as the primary infotainment displays, presenting a range of applications and connected infotainment services that help the car to “seamlessly integrate with the owner’s modern urban lifestyle”. As a result, the driver and passengers – whether the car is driving, parked or charging – can enjoy the same connectivity and comfort.
Honda e technical specifications
The Honda e is equipped with a high-power electric motor available with two power outputs of 100kW (136ps) or 113kW (154ps), and impressive torque of 315Nm. The 35.5kWh battery is one of the most compact in its class yet delivers a range of up to 220km from a single charge, perfect for every day urban commuting (although it looks a little limited when considering other EV offerings such as Hyundai’s Kona that offers a much more reassuring 470km range). A fast-charging capability also allows recharge to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.
The Honda e delivers outstanding acceleration from a standing start and will reach 0-100km/h in approximately 8 seconds, more than adequate for keeping up with surrounding traffic.
Honda e connected services and artificial intelligence
Connected services and applications accessed via the touchscreen interface can also be activated using voice commands to engage with the Honda Personal Assistant service. The intuitive Honda Personal Assistant is a smart artificial intelligence (AI) facility that uses unique contextual understanding to create natural conversations and provide access to a range of online services.
The unique Honda Personal Assistant is activated by saying, “OK Honda”, followed by the question or instruction. Machine learning enables the technology to develop a greater understanding of an individuals’ voice over time, in order to deliver more accurate responses.
Away from the car, Honda e owners can enjoy the peace-of-mind of being able to stay connected to their vehicle remotely through the My Honda smartphone application.
The mobile service, originally launched in 2017, has been updated to deliver a wider range of functionality, including easy navigation to a detailed vehicle condition report, remote climate control, and security and location monitoring. Additional EV-specific functions include battery charge control and range monitor, while charging station and navigation search results can be sent to the car from a mobile device.
The Honda e is also accessible using a digital key, allowing the car to be locked and unlocked using only the smartphone application.
Customers can make a reservation for priority ordering online in UK, Germany, France and Norway, or register their interest in other European markets on Honda national websites.