Honda is almost ready to show off the e:NP2 and e:NS2, a pair of closely related electric vehicles it plans to sell in China. To prove how practical the coupefied crossovers will be, it has tasked six gymnasts with folding themselves into the shortened trunk.
First teased as prototypes at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, the production versions of the electric vehicles are expected to go on sale in early 2024. That means that a full reveal is expected soon, while the start of Honda’s teaser campaign only adds to the sense that the clock is counting down.
The distinction between the e:NP2 and the e:NS2 is expected to be subtle, as this is something of a badge engineering exercise. The former will be sold through Honda’s joint venture with China’s GAC, while the latter will be sold with the help of Dongfeng.
Read: Honda Storms Shanghai With A Trio Of EV Concepts From The e:N Series
However, to prove that they will be distinct, Honda has released a video on Weibo showing two dancers interpreting the lines of the vehicle in two different styles. In a post accompanying the video, the company writes that the vehicles are represented by “two dances with completely different styles [that] outline a car with harmonious lines”.
It’s a similar strategy as the one Honda took with the closely related e:NP1 and e:NS1. Like those vehicles, the 2 series will have some small visual differences. Based on the prototypes shown at Auto Shanghai, the e:NP2 will have C-shaped head and taillights, while the e:NS2 will have H-shaped lighting elements.
In terms of overall shape, the relationship between the two vehicles will be clear. Both are coupefied crossovers. To prove that the slanted roofline will not impact the practicality of the vehicle, Honda’s ad team asked six gymnasts to squeeze themselves into the trunk, and they managed to fold themselves in (with the rear seats folded down). Now, if only my luggage could contort itself like that.
Although it’s not clear which of the two vehicles was used for that ad, it likely didn’t matter for the gymnasts, as the interiors are quite similar. At Auto Shanghai, both prototypes had minimalistic dashboards with a big infotainment screen in the middle and a slender screen for the driver behind the steering wheel that was supplemented by a heads-up display.
Honda has yet to reveal what kind of performance the e:NP2 and e:NS2 will be capable of, but they are expected to be based on the e:N Architecture F platform. The models are also expected to match or outperform the e:NP1 and e:NS1.
That 1s can go up to 510 km per charge on the CLTC cycle, thanks to a 68.8 kWh battery pack. The models also make up to 201 hp (150 kW/204 PS), and prices start at 175,000 yuan ($24,007 USD at current exchange rates).
After the e:NP2 and e:NS2 are revealed, they are expected to be followed by a more traditional SUV, also in 2024. In 2025, the automaker is expected to produce an electric sports car based on the e:N GT concept.
