By Steve & Tamami Laser
Honda makes a bunch of vehicles that we’d love to buy – yet they’re not available in the U.S. The list includes the N-BOX, S660, Freed, Jade, Shuttle and StepWGN. And now, we can add the new 2020 Honda e to our wish list.
Honda says that customers in the UK, Germany, France and Norway can make a reservation for “priority ordering” of this retro-styled battery electric vehicle. Deliveries are expected to begin next year, along with a wider rollout in other European markets.
The automaker released more details about the production version today. A high-power electric motor is expected to deliver about 150PS (147 hp or 110 kW) with torque in excess of 300Nm (221 lb-ft). The compact 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery is said to offer fast-charging capability of 80 percent in 30 minutes with a range of more than 200km (about 124 miles).
The charging port is integrated into the hood, with LED lighting visible through a glass panel to help illuminate the port as well as indicate charging status. The driver can monitor the current level of battery charge, current power flow, and regeneration and recharging status, inside the car.
While the EV is designed to be an urban commuter, in typical Honda fashion it should also be fun to drive. It features rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, a low center of gravity, a tight turning radius, and four-wheel independent suspension.
A “Sport Mode” is said to boost performance through faster acceleration while “Single Pedal Control” lets the driver accelerate and slow down with automatic regenerative braking (and of course, there’s a traditional brake pedal).
The Honda e sports a full-width, digital dash with a multi-info display for the driver, and two separate, customizable 12.3-inch touchscreens accessible by the driver and front passenger.
Honda says that the Side Camera Mirror System featured on the prototype will be standard equipment. As a “first” in the compact segment, the technology delivers benefits including improved aerodynamics, safety and good looks.
Replacing traditional side mirrors with cameras, the system provides live images on two six-inch screens inside the car at both ends of the dash. The driver can select “normal view” and “wide view” via the vehicle settings menu. According to Honda, the Camera Mirror System presents superior visibility in poor weather, low-light, and nighttime conditions with no dazzle or glare.
Honda adds that its new compact EV forms part of a brand strategy to feature electrified powertrains in all cars it sells in Europe by 2025.
Note: Features, specifications, launch dates and availability for European market models is subject to change without notice
News source and photos courtesy Honda UK and Honda Motor Europe
Story (commentary) © 2019 CarNichiWa.com