New Compact EV SUV
Honda, one of the innovators in hybrid cars, has lagged behind other automakers in the transition to electric vehicles. That is changing. The company has already announced the Prologue, a new electric SUV that will go on sale in early 2024, which will reach a large and important market segment. In Europe, the Honda E city car has gotten excellent reviews despite its limited range. And over the pond, Honda has just announced its latest electric car, the e:Ny1, compact electric SUV with attractive looks and impressive range stats.
Launching first in Germany, the e:Ny1 is Honda’s second pure electric car, and slots into a very competitive market for compact SUVs. It offers a distinctive, friendly-looking design with a rounded roofline and a friendly face which hints at the model’s fully-electric drivetrain.
Based on an all-new platform that Honda calls its e:N Architecture F, the e:Ny1 was engineered from the ground up to be electric. The compact electric motor, positioned up front, allows the wheels to be pushed right to the corners of the vehicle, liberating a generous amount of interior space even though it is a relatively compact vehicle. The highly rigid body structure houses the battery in the floor for a low center of gravity, which should also make the e:Ny1 plenty of fun to drive. Carefully-managed aerodynamics underneath the car also help it deliver excellent range.
256 Miles of Range and Rapid EV Charging
The e:Ny1 has a lightweight integrated power unit that combines the electric motor and gearbox for better packaging and higher performance. The motor produces 201 hp, and 228 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration should be smooth and comfortable, though we don’t expect the e:Ny1 to be a rocket ship. Under the floor, a 68.8-kWh battery is claimed to deliver up to 256 miles of range on the European WLTP cycle. It has the ability to fast-charge from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes, according to Honda.
The company also promises fun-to-drive handling and a smooth ride. The all-new chassis, which features a significant proportion of high-tensile steel, has excellent torsional rigidity, and should give drivers comfort and refinement as well as high crash test scores.
Thanks to the clever packaging of its drivetrain, the e:Ny1 offers impressive interior space and versatility. The center console has a number of storage options, a wireless charging pad, and a very simple layout. The dashboard features a large 15.1-inch touchscreen that consolidates most of the infotainment and driving system controls in one place.
Honda Will Only Offer this EV in Europe for Now
While the e:Ny1 isn’t planned to be offered in North America, it’s the next logical step in Honda’s journey toward an electrified future. Leaping into one of the most competitive market segments in the world, it will be interesting to see if its distinctive looks and appealing specifications resonate with European buyers. If they do, we’ll surely see some of its design and technology ideas in future Hondas that we can buy here.
