Honda e to feature 200km driving range

Honda has revealed initial powertrain details for its upcoming all-electric e hatchback, which will employ a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery with fast-charging capabilities for a 201km (125 mile) driving range.

Built on a new, dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform, the Honda e will also sport a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, thanks to the water-cooled battery being mounted within the floor of the car between the wheel axles.

With a Type 2 AC connection or CCS2 DC rapid charger, the Honda e can recoup 80 percent of its battery capacity in just 30 minutes.

Once plugged in via the centrally located bonnet charging port, LED lights will also illuminate to signify the battery’s status, while the in-car touchscreens will also display the current power flow and regeneration data.

With drive sent to the rear wheels, as well as an independent suspension set-up at all four corners, Honda is promising “outstanding stability in all conditions, a smooth ride and responsive handling” in the production e.

Honda UK boss Phil Webb said more details – including electric motor outputs and performance numbers – of the production-ready e will be released later this year ahead of a global rollout.

“Confirmation of the chassis, platform, battery and charging details of the Honda e marks a key milestone in our preparations to unveil the final production version of the model later this year,” he said.

However, Honda Australia has indicated that the local market’s low appetite for emissions-free models will likely mean the road-going e hatchback will not make it Down Under.

The Honda e forms part of the Japanese brand’s ambition to have all of its European sales be in electrified powertrains by 2025.

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