Honda has revealed the production version of the e:NP2 electric crossover as part of this year’s Guangzhou motor show in China.
The Honda e:NP2 was first revealed in prototype form earlier this year. It has been designed by the Japanese carmaker’s Chinese division, and will be produced by the joint venture company GAC Honda.
This new Chinese market-focused Honda electric crossover will join the HR-V-based e:NP1 in the line-up, which is also based on the new e:N Architecture F platform.
The e:NP2 is powered by a single electric motor producing 152kW of power, which is fed by a 68.8kWh battery pack.
Honda claims the e:NP2 has a driving range of up to 510km according to the lenient CLTC standards.
The Honda e:NP2 has an exterior design language called e:N Design. It has an illuminated Honda badge at the front, a fastback design with a large powered tailgate, as well as C-shaped LED headlight and tail lights.
Inside, the e:NP2 has been shown off with a two-tone black and white interior. There’s a large floating touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a thin digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver.
Other interior features include push-button gear selector, Bose sound system, and a wireless phone charger.
Production of the Honda e:NP2 is understood to be commencing in early 2024. At this stage it’s unclear if this e:NP2 will be offered in any market outside of China.
As recently reported, Honda will export a trio of new SUVs to the European market from China as it reduces it reliance on Japanese production. These are the new ZR-V, CR-V, as well as the e:Ny1 which is another HR-V based electric crossover.
Despite Honda being able to export vehicles from China to Europe, it won’t do the same in Australia.
“Honda Australia currently sources vehicles from Honda factories in Japan and Thailand, and has no plans to source vehicles from Honda’s factory in China,” said a Honda Australia spokesperson.
Honda Australia recently said it has no plans to introduce any electric vehicles (EVs) before 2028, instead focusing on expanding its range of hybrid models.
“Our electrification strategy is all about using hybrid to bridge to electrification in the future,” said Honda Australia boss Carolyn McMahon.
“We don’t have any plans at the moment to introduce EVs.”
The Honda boss said the company will continually monitor the market and what products are made available.
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