Honda has just shown off its second all-electric car, and the long-awaited follow-on to the cute-but-compromised Honda e. This is the e:NY1 ('Anyone', geddit?) and it's going to go on sale later this year with a range of over 400km.
68.8kWh battery
Actually, to be precise - and Honda loves nothing more than precision - the e:NY1 has a 412km range from a 68.8kWh battery pack.
The e:NY1 looks very much like a modified Honda HR-V, right down to rear styling that's almost identical. The two cars are similar in size, but in fact the e:NY1 is mechanically unrelated - underneath is an all-new electric-specific platform called 'e:N Architecture F'. The e:NY1 is also the debut car for Honda's new badging for its electric models, which will get white H badges, instead of chrome, and the word Honda spelled out on the tailgate.
15-inch touchscreen
Inside, the e:NY1 breaks entirely from the HR-V, with a new dash design that features a massive portrait-style 15.1-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. The company claims that, thanks to clever packaging, the cabin offers "remarkable interior space and comfort."
As for the powertrain, the e:NY1 uses a 150kW (204hp) electric motor driving the front wheels, with 310Nm of torque. The battery, mounted under the floor, can be quick-charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 45 minutes, although Honda has not yet quoted a maximum DC charging speed.
Electrification journey
"The e:Ny1 is the logical next step on our electrification journey in Europe," said Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President at Honda Motor Europe Ltd. "Our development philosophy blends intelligent, customer-centric technology with beautiful design and fun-to-drive dynamics. This latest SUV exemplifies Honda's commitment to electrification and is the latest step on Honda's electrification journey."
Honda plans to launch 30 new fully-electric models between now and 2030, and has embarked on a project with Sony to produce a new low-slung electric saloon, too.