GAC Honda has unveiled Honda VE-1 SUV at the 2018
Guangzhou Auto Show, essentially a pure electric Honda Vezel/Honda HR-V with a
modified design. The Honda VE-1 is the production version of the Honda Everus EV
Concept that debuted at Auto China 2018 in April. The zero-emission SUV is
4,308 mm long, 1,824 mm wide and 1,625 mm tall, with a 2,610 mm wheelbase. It
sports 17-inch wheels shod with 215/55 R17 tyres.
The Honda VE-1 uses an electric motor that generates
a maximum power of 163 PS at 400-11,500 rpm and a maximum torque of
280 Nm from 0-400 rpm. The electric motor, manufactured by JEE Automation
Equipment, sources energy from a 53.6 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack that
provides a driving range of 340 km (NEDC mode). The driver can select from
three drive modes: N (normal/comfort), S (sport) and B (battery saver/economy).
The Honda VE-1 will enter production in December.
Reachstar, the domestic car-sharing service provider funded by Honda, will use
this model. For private customers, the pure electric SUV will cost 2,25,800
yuan. However, subsidies will reduce the cost significantly
to 170,800 yuan. The Honda Vezel, for reference, costs
128,800 yuan onwards.
The Honda VE-1 is a China-only pure electric model.
As for a high-volume EV for global markets, Honda will launch the production
Urban EV, a sub-compact hatchback, in 2019.
