Honda’s second all-electric car for Europe will be a version of the HR-V crossover with a different name and platform.
The new Honda e:Ny1 looks like the latest HR-V with different badging, though the Japanese brand says it’s based on a new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture and sports an overhauled interior similar to the e:NS1 and e:NP1 revealed for the Chinese market last year.
Key changes compared to the hybrid-powered HR-V include the brand’s “all-new electric identity”, which encompasses white ‘H’ badging on the nose, wheel centre caps and steering wheel, while a new ‘honda’ typeface adorns the tailgate “for a premium look that will feature on the brand’s future EVs”.
A revised front fascia with closed grille and charging port, as well as redesigned bumpers and alloy wheels complete the HR-V’s external transformation to battery electric power.
Under the familiar skin, the e:Ny1 rides on the brand’s “newly developed” e:N Architecture F, billed as a “front-motor-driven platform focused on three fundamental attributes: A dedicated high rigidity body structure, a low centre of gravity, and carefully managed under-floor aerodynamics to ensure the SUV delivers a fun and confidence-inspiring drive”.
The “all-new chassis developed specifically for battery electric vehicles” quotes improved torsional rigidity, thanks to a 47 per cent ratio of high-tensile steel in its construction.
In the e:Ny1, the front-mounted “power drive unit” develops 150kW and 310Nm, and is hooked up to a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack that quotes up to 412 kilometres of driving range on the WLTP test cycle.
Honda claims the e:Ny1 can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes using a DC fast-charger, though stops short of quoting the maximum charge capacity for its new SUV.
Inside the e:Ny1 follows a similar theme to the Chinese-market e:NP1 and e:NS1, featuring a redesigned dashboard compared to the HR-V which dons a freestanding digital instrument cluster as well as a portrait-oriented 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Other confirmed features include “multiple storage options and wireless charging”, though further details about the cabin’s differences to the HR-V aren’t given.
The e:Ny1 was presented alongside the new CR-V e:PHEV and ZR-V e:HEV during a Honda Motor Europe media event at the Japanese brand’s European arm’s research and development facility in Offenbach, Germany.
Beyond the trio of new electrified crossovers, Honda Europe also presented the brand’s first electric bike for Europe – the EM1e – and detailed the expansion of the company’s e:PROGRESS energy management service.
While Honda’s European division is offering a fully electrified range of vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in Europe and the UK, the local division is only committing to hybrids alongside combustion-engined models in the short- to mid-term.
It confirmed earlier this year it has no plans to introduce electric vehicles before 2028.
“Aside from what has been released overseas, we are unable to comment further on these models as they are not available in the Australian market,” said a spokesperson for Honda Australia.
“Honda Australia’s electrification journey in Australia is well underway with hybrid powertrain technology serving as a bridge to electrification for the local market.”
“We will continue to introduce hybrid variants of each nameplate with every full model change, continuing to gather momentum in Australia.”
Honda ZR-V
While the new-gen CR-V is still some time away from an Australian launch, with further details still to be confirmed, the ZR-V is due iminently.
Honda Australia confirmed pricing for its new Civic-based mid-sizer earlier this month, with pricing to kick off from $40,200 drive-away for the four-tier line-up.
Just one e:HEV hybrid variant will be offered – contrary to Europe and the UK’s exclusively electrified line-up – is priced from $54,900 drive-away, squaring it up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power.
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