Honda says it has no interest in creating a high-performance Type R version of its all-electric e city car.
Introduced to the world at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Honda e is the Japanese car manufacturer’s first modern EV built from the ground-up and promises to help the company establish itself as a major player in the world of electric vehicles. This focus on electric power means it wouldn’t make sense to offer a Type R variant, Honda e project leader Kohei Hitomi told Autocar.
“A performance version, like Type R, as we have on different models: I see this is not the way to go with the e,” he said. “For some segments, it might be the right choice and Type R is a way to express Honda’s capability as a sporty brand. But for Honda e, we want to provide a new dimension of values for our customers.”
Also Read: New Electric Honda e Prices Announced, Starts At €29,470 In Germany, £26,160 In The UK
This is hardly surprising. Hitamo went on to add that the Honda e will be updated with new and impressive technologies as opposed to getting more performance-focused versions.
“There will be more interaction, AI, connectivity and other services to provide new values to the customers which are not able to be provided with conventional propulsion systems,” he said.
The entry-level version of the Honda e is powered by a 134 hp electric motor that is mated to a small 35.5 kWh battery pack. A more powerful 152 hp is also available with the same battery pack that is good for 137 miles (220 km) of range. Both models are rear wheel drive and Honda recently announced that prices will start at €29,470 in Germany ($32,450) and £26,160 ($32,255) in the UK. It remains to be seen if the Honda e will be sold in the U.S.
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