La Honda e is coming onto the market at the same time as new small, affordable electric vehicles, expanding finally choice beyond the more expensive premium range such as Teslathe Jaguar I-Pace and theAudi e-tron. Honda faces the new Peugeot e-208 (and its sister car the Corsa-e), the Mini electric and the Renault Zoé.
Honda is taking a risky gamble: releasing its first electric car in a highly competitive segment by betting on its originality.
Is this a winning strategy? Only time will tell. Is it a success?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nSxIrYohfA
Key features of the electric Honda
- 222 km ofautonomy in WLTP cycle
- A battery 35.5 kWh with components supplied by Panasonic
- It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in around 9 seconds
- rear-wheel drive
- electric motor (basic version): 100 kW power and 315 Nm torque
- electric motor (Advance version): 113 kW of power and 315 Nm of torque
- Fast charge (CCS Combo 2) to 80% in 30 minutes
For the time being, no-one has been able to test drive the Honda e, which remains highly mysterious. What we do know is that it will be available in a range of flashy colours:
- Electric yellow
- White Platinum Metallic
- Modern metallic steel
- Crystal Blue Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
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A little history
In the 1930s, Soichiro Honda founded Tokai Seiki Heavy Industry, a company manufacturing piston rings, which was absorbed by Toyota during the Second World War. After the war, Honda teamed up with a businessman, Takeo Fujisawa, and on 24 September 1948 they founded the company Honda Motor Company, Limited2. After the war, the latter salvaged generator engines which he grafted onto a bicycle. This small, economical vehicle, called the Type A, was a success and launched the brand. Motorbikes followed, contributing to the manufacturer's reputation.
From 1963, the brand moved into car production, producing motorcycle-engined cars such as the S360 and S600.
Honda S360
In 1987, Honda produces the first car with four-wheel steering (Prelude SI 4WS).
Honda Prelude SI 4WS
Two years later, Honda innovates with the VTEC system, which allows the duration and timing of valve lift to be varied.
Honda S-2000
In 1999, the S-2000 was the production car with the best specific power for a naturally-aspirated production engine: 120 hp per litre (125 in Japan). In fact, its naturally-aspirated 2.0 VTEC 4-cylinder petrol engine develops 240 bhp at 8,200 rpm. This engine is also one of the highest revving (conventional) production engines in the world at 9,000 rpm (electronically controlled), with prepared versions capable of 10,500 rpm.
In 2019, the manufacturer launches its first 100 % electric model, the Honda eavailable for pre-order and will go on sale from summer 2020 at a price of €29,060, less bonus, for the 100 kW version and €32,060, less bonus, for the 113 kW version.
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Design of the Honda e
One of the main characteristics of Honda e is its highly distinctive design. Honda has taken the risk of not fitting into the mould and offering a unique model.
Taking their cues from classic European and Japanese saloons, the designers of Honda create a modern look. By blending a retro-futuristic exterior, an ultra-modern cabin and an efficient electric powertrain.
Honda seems to be largely inspired by the small Japanese and European hatchbacks of the 70s and early 80s. The Volkswagen The first-generation Polo, with its more compact proportions, is also a good comparison.
Back to the 1970s
The Honda Urban EV Concept was one of the journalists' favourite vehicles at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. By mixing a retro-futuristic exterior, an ultra-modern cabin and an efficient electric powertrain, Honda managed to seduce.
According to some, the Urban EV concept looks like an early Volkswagen Golf. They have a point. Honda's team seem to be taking their main inspiration from the small Japanese and European hatchbacks of the 1970s and early 1980s. The similarities are most obvious from a three-quarter perspective, where the combination of a slim A-pillar and a thick C-pillar is evident. Both models have short overhangs and a longer bonnet given their overall proportions.
Interior
Inside, Honda eschews the retro aesthetic of the exterior for a thoroughly modern look, with a digital screen that spans almost the entire dashboard. There are, however, some interesting ideas. For example, the BMW i3 sets a modern precedent for the use of a wood-covered dashboard.
The world and the time are completely different. The 5 screens running the length of the wooden dashboard and the spacious cabin, illuminated by the Honda e's glass roof, take us into the near future. Despite the compact nature of this city car, there's plenty of room to sit comfortably.
However, it should not be forgotten that this Honda cannot accommodate more than 4 people. Its boot is a good reminder of this, holding just 171 litres - enough space for around 2 suitcases. The wood on the centre tunnel and dashboard is a welcome change from the usual plastic, which is still present in the cabin, but there's nothing you can do about it. The Honda e is more a living room on wheels than a car.
A unique design
According to the experts, this is probably the highest quality Honda has ever built. The Japanese car is the forerunner of a new design style inside and out, combining retro and modern lines. Without doubt, this is a top-of-the-range electric car, which is closer to the BMW i3 than Volkswagen e-up . It is certain that Honda e is one of the most chic little four-seaters on the market at the moment.
La Honda e There are also a host of technological innovations: the side camera mirror system (standard) and five screens inside (two side screens for the side cameras, an 8.8-inch TFT screen for displaying the instruments in front of the driver and two 12.3-inch LCD touch screens for infotainment), plus the central camera mirror system, which can display images from a rear-facing central camera.
Technology
The 2 12-inch screens offer a host of functions, thanks first and foremost to their connectivity. It's even possible to play video games thanks to an HDMI output and a 230-volt socket in this car. The last three screens act as rear-view mirrors. However, the interior mirror can be turned back into a mirror at the touch of a button.
GPS is also available, as are all the other functions that are familiar to today's cars. In terms of safety, the Honda e also offers all the modern aids such as emergency braking assistance, lane keeping and fully automatic parking assistance.
Performance of the electric Honda
The Honda e's powertrain can deliver up to 110 kW (136 bhp) of power with its 35.5 kWh battery. The Advance version can deliver up to 113 kW. The perfectly balanced weight distribution (50/50) and low centre of gravity deliver a dynamic driving experience.
La Honda e is a car designed for the city, but you can accelerate instantly by switching to Sport mode if you want to move up a gear.
Thanks to its 4.3m turning radius, you can drive anywhere in town. The Honda Parking Pilot will help you park, particularly in narrow spaces.
Driving the electric Honda
Despite the numerous pilot assist systems, the Honda e is still a car. This city car is a small rear-wheel drive, with a tight turning circle. Its small size is perfect for getting around town. It's important to point out that its advertised range of 222 km in the WLTP does not make it easy to set off on a journey. What's more, in real-life conditions across town and on the motorways, this is clearly seen to be on the decline.
Thrill-seekers will be delighted to know that with the Honda e it will not be possible to exceed 150 km/h (top speed). On the 'Advance' version, the 0 to 100 km/h time is 8.3 seconds, while on the base version, the 0 to 100 km/h time is 9 seconds.
Range of the Honda e
With its 32 kWh battery, the Honda e has a range of 225 km according to the WLTP cycle. It's a car designed for the city, for city-dwellers.
This little city car will be your best friend on your daily commute, both in terms of comfort and practicality. However, going on holiday with it will be harder to negotiate because of the number of stops you'll have to make at charging points.
Charging the Honda e
The Honda e features a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. It can be recharged using a T2-type connector and an on-board charger with a maximum output of 11 kW. As for fast charging, 30 minutes are enough to recover 80 % of energy from your Honda e.
| Type | Capacity | Recharge time |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic socket | 2.3 kW | 14h45m |
| 3.7 kW terminal Single-phase, 16A | 3.7 kW | 9h15m |
| 7.4 kW terminal Single-phase, 32A | 6.6 kW | 5h15m |
| 11 kW terminal Three-phase, 16A | 3.7 kW | 9h15m |
| 22 kW terminal Three-phase, 32A | 6.6 kW | 5h15m |
e:Progress: Honda's intelligent recharging
e:Progress is a flexibly-priced energy management service for electric car owners.
With the launch of its new electric vehicle, the Honda e, scheduled for spring 2020, Honda has launched a new offer. The e:Progress offer, available initially in the UK and Germany, will arrive in the rest of Europe a little later.
This service includes a charger and an intelligent charging control system to optimise the charging of your electric vehicle. On the other hand, e:Progress will guarantee the use of renewable sources, such as solar, wind and hydro power, to recharge your electric vehicle. Clean electricity will be distributed by Vattenfal also working with Honda.
e :Progress offers flexible and advantageous tariffs at certain times of the day, thanks to usage slots at the best prices. That's right, This intelligent charging system will automatically charge your vehicle when the energy on the grid is cheapest and cleanest.
Dimensions and weight of the Honda e
La Honda e is suitable for the city and its size is also designed for small spaces.
It is 1.75 m wide, 1.51 m high and has a wheelbase of 2.53 m. To give you an idea of its size, it is slightly larger than the Smart and slightly smaller than the Renault Zoé.
The wheelbase, i.e. the length between the front and rear axles, is 2.5 metres. That's 30 centimetres longer than the Mini Cooper SEher rival.
The only downside is the boot. It is 564 litres, which is respectable, but may not suit some needs.
Price of the electric Honda
Priced from €40,460 (excluding incentives and bonuses), the Honda e is eligible for environmental bonusthe conversion premium and regional aids.
La Honda e is available in pre-order. Deliveries are scheduled for summer 2020. You can already reserve your Honda e by contacting us here.
And what about you? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
