HONDA has announced that its cute all-electric city car the Honda-e is getting a big sister in the form of a new compact electric SUV, the e:Ny1.
Due to go on sale this summer, the e:Ny1 - which is apparently supposed to be pronounced "e-n-why-one", but will of course be referred to by everyone as "the anyone" - will essentially be an all-electric alternative to Honda's existing compact SUV the Harvey... sorry, I mean the HR-V.
Indeed, the e:Ny1 has the same wheelbase as the HR-V (2,610mm) but boasts a larger load capacity than its combustion engine powered predecessor, with a boot capacity of 346 litres versus the HR-V's 304 litres.
Built on Honda’s newly-developed e:N Architecture F platform, the new E-SUV is equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor driving its front wheels and developing 201bhp and 229lb ft of torque, all powered by a 62kW capacity battery which offers a range of 256 miles (WLTP) between charges: drivers will be able to top-up from 10 to 80 per cent charge in 45 minutes using DC fast-charging.
In terms of its exterior styling, the car will mark the debut of Honda's new 'electric identity' based on white ‘H’ logos on the grille, wheel centres and steering wheel, plus a new typeface for the rear Honda badge which will appear on all of the Japanese giant's future EVs.
“The e:Ny1 is the logical next step on our electrification journey in Europe,” says 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.”
Inside, the e:Ny1 will come equipped with remote control capability via the My Honda+ app, plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. Drivers will sit in front of a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, controlling the car's functions via its 15.1-inch vertically orientated touchscreen (like the one in the Mustang Mach-E) that's divided into three 'zones': navigation and smartphone-related systems, audio and EV functions, and climate controls.
The e:Ny1 is due to go on sale later this summer, with initial deliveries expected in the final quarter of 2023.
Now, if they would just boost the range of the Honda e by upgrading it with that same 62kW battery...
