Following months of anticipation from fans (and probably rivals as well), Honda has finally released more specs of its e electric car.
We already knew that the Honda e featured a rear-wheel-drive platform and a range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) but now we get to learn more about the EV’s electric motor and dynamic characteristics.
The small EV is powered by an electric motor delivering up to 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and maximum torque in excess of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). Before you dismiss these numbers as unspectacular, you should remember we’re talking about a B-segment-sized vehicle measuring 3,895 mm (153.3 inches) in length, 1,750 mm (68.9 inches) in width, and 1,495 mm (58.8 inches) in height.
No performance specs are available for the moment but Honda says the e will deliver “highly responsive dynamics, efficiency, and performance.” We do know that the Honda e will offer a “Sport Mode” that will offer faster acceleration response.
The automaker adds that the car’s center of gravity is approximately 500 mm (19.7 inches) from the ground thanks to the placement of the battery low under the vehicle floor. Furthermore, the Honda e has a 50:50 weight distribution, delivering “an optimal balance of stability and handling performance to the compact electric car segment.”
The low center of gravity and planted stature of the Honda e allow it to manage body roll without the need for a stiffly-sprung suspension. As a result, it’s said to deliver “outstanding handling through fast lane changes” while at the same time offering a comfortable and refined ride for occupants thanks to the suspension’s four-wheel independent McPherson Strut design. As a matter of fact, Honda says it benchmarked the ride quality of the car against larger segment cars.
The RWD setup offers more advantages than a fun and engaging driving experience. For example, the front wheels are able to deliver greater steering articulation, resulting in a turning radius of approximately 4.3 meters (169.3 inches). This ensures the Honda e is “exceptionally maneuverable in small city streets,” according to the automaker.
As for the battery, it is a water-cooled 35.5 kWh unit described by Honda as one of the most compact in its class. This allows the automaker to achieve a low vehicle weight — though no numbers are offered. The carmaker does say that the car’s chassis is built from high-strength materials that contribute to structural rigidity while also reducing weight. The battery is projected to offer a driving range of over 200 km (124 miles) and fast-charging capability of 80 percent in 30 minutes.
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As with most EVs, the Honda e will be a one pedal car (the automaker calls this Single Pedal Control) thanks to automatic regenerative braking.
The production version of the Honda e will be unveiled later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show but the near-production e Prototype (pictured) will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.