Following months of anticipation from fans, Honda has finally released more specs of its e
electric car. We already knew that the Honda e featured a rear-wheel-drive platform
and a range of approximately 200 kilometers but now we get to learn
more about the EV’s electric motor and dynamic characteristics.
The small EV is powered by an electric motor
delivering up to 150 PS and maximum torque in excess of 300
Nm. Before you dismiss these numbers as unspectacular, you should
remember we’re talking about a B-segment-sized vehicle measuring 3,895 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height.
No performance specs are available for the moment
but Honda says the e will deliver “highly responsive dynamics, efficiency, and
performance.” We do know that the Honda e will offer a “Sport Mode” that will
offer faster acceleration response. The automaker adds that the car’s
center of gravity is approximately 500 mm from the ground thanks
to the placement of the battery low under the vehicle floor. Furthermore, the
Honda e has a 50:50 weight distribution, delivering “an optimal balance of stability
and handling performance to the compact electric car segment.”
The low center of gravity and planted stature of the
Honda e allow it to manage body roll without the need for a stiffly-sprung
suspension. As a result, it’s said to deliver “outstanding handling through
fast lane changes” while at the same time offering a comfortable and refined
ride for occupants thanks to the suspension’s four-wheel independent McPherson
Strut design. As a matter of fact, Honda says it benchmarked the ride quality of
the car against larger segment cars.
The RWD setup offers more advantages than a fun and
engaging driving experience. For example, the front wheels are able to deliver
greater steering articulation, resulting in a turning radius of approximately
4.3 meters. This ensures the Honda e is “exceptionally
maneuverable in small city streets,” according to the automaker.
As for the battery, it is a water-cooled 35.5 kWh
unit described by Honda as one of the most compact in its class. This allows
the automaker to achieve a low vehicle weight — though no numbers are offered.
The carmaker does say that the car’s chassis is built from high-strength
materials that contribute to structural rigidity while also reducing weight.
The battery is projected to offer a driving range of over 200 km and fast-charging capability of 80 percent in 30 minutes. As with most EVs, the Honda e
will be a one pedal car (the automaker calls this Single Pedal Control) thanks
to automatic regenerative braking.
The production version of the Honda e will be
unveiled later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show but the near-production e
Prototype (pictured) will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
this weekend.
