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.