Honda, together with its Chinese partner Guangzhou
Automobile Group (GAC), has launched a new all-electric crossover at the
Guangzhou Auto Show called the Everus VE-1. The China-exclusive model was first
previewed by the Everus EV Concept several months earlier, and is similar in
size to the well-known HR-V.
The VE-1 differs from the HR-V
with its revamped front fascia which includes vertical LED daytime running
lights that flank a trapezoidal-shaped lower intake. The chrome bar placed
between the headlamps is now gone, and the grille section is largely
featureless save for the cover over the charging port.
Beyond that, the rest of the EV is almost identical
to the vehicle it is based on, including the design of the rear-end and
interior. Focusing on the latter, you’ll notice a button-type gear selector
instead of conventional lever, as well as a new instrument cluster to reflect
the zero-emission powertrain fitted.
The VE-1 is motivated by an
electric motor that outputs 161 hp and 280 Nm of torque. The motor is
linked to a single reduction gear that drives the front wheels, allowing the EV
to accelerate from 0-50 km/h in five seconds and on to a top speed of 140 km/h.
A 53.6 kWh battery provides power to the motor, and
provides up to 340 km of range on a single charge and 430 km at a constant 60
km/h. The VE-1 connects to a charger via a Type 2 connector but detailed
information in relation to charging isn’t provided. Based on what we can gather
from the official product site, the “standard charging time” is nine hours, or
55 minutes when fast charging is used.
Equipment-wise, the VE-1 comes with 17-inch wheels,
LED headlamps and taillights, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start,
single-zone automatic air-conditioning, leather upholstery and an eight-inch
touchscreen infotainment system. You’ll also get three driving modes – Normal,
Sport, and Battery Saver.
The VE-1 is priced at 170,800 yuan but
this including incentives; without them, the EV retails at 225,800 yuan. As a comparison, the normal HR-V (known as the Vezel there) starts
from 128,800 yuan there.
