Honda reveals all-electric e platform, battery details

HONDA has revealed additional details of its all-new e all-electric city hatchback, detailing the finer points of its powertrain and chassis ahead of a global debut later this year.

While the e has been confirmed for markets such as Europe, Honda Australia has indicated it is unlikely to bring the e here given its driving range may not be sufficient for our country’s vast expanses, as well as Australia’s low appetite for EVs.

Honda has confirmed that the e will feature a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery with over 125 miles (201km) of driving range, that can be charged up to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes when hooked up to a DC fast charger.

With the charging point integrated into the bonnet at the front of the car, the e can also be charged via a Type 2 AC charging source.

No details have yet been revealed of the e’s power outputs, with Honda only mentioning it boasts a “high-torque electric motor”.

An LED light is integrated into the bonnet and visible through a glass panel, which both illuminates the charging port and shows the level of charge for the owners.

With all batteries located in the underfloor of the vehicle, the e will feature a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, as well as a low centre of gravity to aid sporty handling.

Drive will be fed exclusively to the rear wheels, while independent suspension all around with lightweight aluminium componentry helps ride comfort and handling.

Combined with the car’s extremely short overhangs, Honda promises tight and sporty handling well suited to urban environments.

First revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, the e is based off the Urban EV concept unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in 2017.

Featuring cute, boxy styling, the e comes with a minimalist front end including circular LED headlights, a black grille and two-tone alloy wheels.

Inside, it features an all-digital infotainment and instrument cluster that stretches across the width of the cabin, complemented by wood trim on the dashboard and centre console and soft fabric seats.

The e represents Honda’s goal for 100 per cent of all European Honda sales to feature electrified technology by 2025 and will be the first Honda production battery-electric vehicle to be sold in Europe on a mass-production level.