Last year, it was reported that Honda is planning
three pure electric cars for China. One of these reported EVs was a Honda Vezel
(Honda HR-V)-based EV.
According to a report from Yahoo Japan, Honda will
launch a new EV based on the Honda Vezel in China this year. The development
was confirmed to the Japanese publication by Yasuhide Mizuno, COO, Honda China.
“Two local joint venture companies will begin manufacturing and selling small
SUV electric vehicles,” Mr. Mizuno said. Showing his enthusiasm about the Honda
Vezel-based EV, Mr. Mizuno said, “I’d like to introduce it as soon as
possible.”
The latest report suggests that Honda will launch an
EV based on the Honda Vezel as well as the Honda XR-V. The Honda Vezel and
Honda XR-V are both the same vehicles under the skin after all, with the latter
available exclusively in China. The Dongfeng Honda and Guangqi Honda both joint
ventures will get a small SUV EV for sale in China. The pure electric small SUV
based on the Honda XR-V was spied in May last year.
According to the report, the Honda Vezel-based EV
SUV will use most major parts sourced from local suppliers, including the motor
and battery. The zero-emissions EV will debut at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show in
April.
