Honda's first EV for the European market is a retro-styled city car that's shorter than the Honda Jazz.
12 Sep 2017 | 3923 Views | By Rachel Burgess, Autocar UK
Honda has confirmed that a production version of the Urban EV Concept will be made in 2019.
The electric car – Honda’s first for Europe – is built on a new dedicated electric platform and “sets the direction for the technology and design” of its future EVs.
The car maker ...
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Honda has confirmed that a production version of the Urban EV Concept will be made in 2019.
The electric car – Honda’s first for Europe – is built on a new dedicated electric platform and “sets the direction for the technology and design” of its future EVs.
The car maker already sells an electric Clarity hatchback model in the US and Japan.
Talking about the concept, which was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda president Takahiro Hachigo said: “This is not some vision of the distant future. A production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019.”
The Urban EV has low and wide proportions and is 100mm shorter than the Jazz supermini, making it 3895mm long.
It also uses a Honda emblem backlit in blue, which previews a new styling feature for future EVs from the brand.
At the front of the car between the headlights, interactive messages can be displayed, including greetings, advice for other drivers and charging status updates.
Inside, Honda has intended to create maximum visibility for drivers, thanks to slim A-pillars and a wide windscreen. Entry and exit from the Urban EV is via rear-hinged coach doors.
A so-called floating dashboard console houses the steering wheel column, a set of simple control buttons and a panoramic screen. The wrap-around screen goes beyond the dashboard and extends into the doors, a feature that works as the car’s wing mirrors through digital camera display.
The concept can accommodate four occupants, but it is likely a production version will allow for five.
No powertrain or range details were given, but Honda said it would include a high-density lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management and energy transfer functions both to and from the vehicle.
The car maker recently announced that every new model line from now on would feature electrified technology in Europe.