Honda has announced that they will be introducing ten new electric vehicles to the Chinese market, the first of which is previewed by the Honda SUV e: Prototype. Visually it bears a striking resemblance to the Honda Vezel/HR-V but includes a heavily re-profiled front and rear.
The Honda SUV e: Prototype is Honda’s first “electric vehicle prototype” unveiled in China. It previews the production version, which Honda has confirmed will go on sale in the Spring of 2022. The launch will see Honda introduce the production version of the SUV e: prototype to the EV-hungry Chinese market. It will also feature a global roll-out. Speculatively it could become a part of the upcoming HR-V model line-up.
Read: Enticing Honda SUV e: concept Is A Preview Of The Brand’s First EV For China
The front does away with the Vezel’s grill, and the concept sports a light array that extends inwards, almost connecting as one, with just a thin strip above the “H” badge remaining unlit. The H itself is illuminated, as it is on the rear, and features full-length tail lights.
The design is an evolution of an earlier presentation: the Honda SUV e: concept — a more radical, sportier, and squat-looking three-door electric crossover that debuted at the 2020 Beijing Motorshow. But retaining the basic body shape of the Vezel means this concept’s design is likely to be virtually production-ready — externally at least. Honda hasn’t shed any light on what kind of interior we could expect, nor has it mentioned any details on the upcoming crossover’s powertrain or range.
Honda recently signed a deal that would see them use General Motor’s Ultium battery tech. In a previous statement, we were told that while the Ultium platform would underpin these Japanese cars, that the architecture would be modified to “support Honda’s driving character.” It remains to be seen whether a production version of the SUV e: Prototype would utilize the GM tech.
Also announced was the Honda Breeze PHEV. The Honda Breeze is based on the CR-V but features sharper styling and, as is the trend with Chinese-market cars, features added leg-room making it longer than its global counterpart. The Breeze PHEV will be the first plug-in hybrid manufactured by Guangqi Honda, Honda’s Chinese joint venture. Once again, no specifics regarding the output or drivetrain were revealed just yet, but Honda promises us that the 2-motor hybrid system results in an EV-like driving experience with lots of torque.
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