Honda takes a giant leap forward in its electrification revolution. After captivating the world with its pint-sized e, Honda unleashes its electrifying prowess with the breathtaking Honda e:Ny1 crossover. With the Honda e:Ny1, the Japanese automaker goes beyond years of electric excellence, embarking on a mission to redefine the concept of zero-emission motoring.
Prepare to be dazzled as Honda paves the way for a world where electric vehicles redefine mobility, sustainability, and driving pleasure.
Honda’s electrification journey is gaining momentum and promising a thrilling lineup of electric vehicles. Recent trademark filings have revealed that the automaker has a remarkable 9 new EVs in the pipeline, and among them is the highly anticipated e:Ny1. While the e:Ny1 has only been showcased as a prototype thus far, it shares the striking, coupe-like aesthetics of the European version of the latest Honda HR-V, exuding a contemporary and stylish aura.
Equipped with a fully electric powertrain, the e:Ny1 is poised to compete head-to-head with formidable electric adversaries like the Hyundai Kona Electric in the market. The e:Ny1 serves as an electrifying glimpse into Honda’s future as they transition towards an EV-exclusive landscape. As this captivating prototype teases us with its bold design and electric performance, it sets the stage for what lies ahead—an electrifying and innovative future that Honda is set to embark upon.
Exterior
It’s evident that the 2024 e:Ny1 is essentially an electrified version of the European Honda HR-V. These 2 crossover models share remarkably similar design elements, including sleek headlights, an angular and sloping roofline, and seamlessly integrated rear door handles found on the C-pillar. However, the Honda e:Ny1’s exterior takes a departure from conventional norms by omitting a traditional grille, and the front Honda logo has a captivating illuminated effect, although this particular feature might be limited to the prototype version.
At the rear, you’ll find a striking full-length LED light bar and a rear window that boasts a dramatic angle, adding a touch of flair to the overall aesthetics, although it might slightly impact cargo space. Undeniably, the e:Ny1 presents a fresh and captivating design, offering a more intriguing visual appeal compared to the current HR-V model available in the United States.
While the specific color options for the Honda e:Ny1 have not yet been disclosed, it has been photographed in an eye-catching silver shade. As it gears up for sale, we can anticipate a broader and more comprehensive color palette to choose from, ensuring a wider range of options to suit individual preferences.
Interior
Anticipate a spacious and open feel inside the e:Ny1, thanks to the absence of a traditional gear stick. Instead, Honda has designed a sleek floating center console that exudes a minimalist aesthetic while incorporating the latest advancements in automotive technology. It’s highly likely that the e:Ny1 will feature a generously sized central infotainment screen, reducing the need for numerous physical buttons and creating a streamlined interior. However, we can expect Honda to retain essential tactile buttons for practicality and ease of use. In place of traditional analog dials, a high-resolution display will grace the space behind the steering wheel, providing crucial information and enhancing the modernity of the cabin.
The e:Ny1 SUV will prioritize passenger comfort, offering ample room for both front and rear occupants and accommodating even tall adults with ease. Honda will infuse the e:Ny1 with its signature family-friendly features, ensuring a well-rounded and practical interior that caters to various needs.
Moreover, the Honda e:Ny1’s seats are expected to boast appealing stitching details and contrast piping, adding a touch of elegance to the interior ambiance. Given its compact nature, it’s unlikely that the e:Ny1 will offer a third seating row. In terms of cargo space, the European HR-V hybrid provides around 11 cubic feet, and while it remains to be seen if the e:Ny1’s trunk space will surpass this, improvements in cargo capacity are not expected due to its compact dimensions.
Technology
These crossovers showcase a striking 15.1-inch portrait-style touchscreen interface and a digital gauge cluster, features that are likely to carry over to the Honda e:Ny1. This reliance on a sizable touchscreen marks a significant departure from Honda’s current lineup, aligning with the technological prominence often associated with electric vehicles.
The e:Ny1’s interior is intelligently divided into different sections to cater to various functionalities. The upper section is dedicated to navigation and smartphone systems, allowing seamless integration of these features. In the center, you’ll find controls for audio and EV-specific functions, ensuring easy access to essential settings. The bottom area houses the heating and ventilation controls, providing convenient management of climate settings.
The advanced infotainment system in the e:Ny1 supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, enabling users to effortlessly connect their smartphones for enhanced connectivity and entertainment options. Additionally, through the My Honda+ app, drivers can interact with the vehicle using their smartphones, granting them the ability to schedule charging sessions and activate the climate control remotely. This integration of technology and connectivity enhances the overall user experience, offering convenience and personalized control at their fingertips.
Performance
The dimensions of the Honda e:Ny1 are expected to closely resemble those of the European HR-V. The European HR-V has a length of 170.9 inches, a width of 70.5 inches, and a height of 62.3 inches. While the base HR-V in the UK weighs just over 3,000 pounds, the e:Ny1 is likely to be significantly heavier due to its dense battery pack, although Honda has not disclosed specific powertrain details for the e:Ny1.
Interestingly, a similar vehicle is already available in the Chinese market as the e:NS1 by Dongfeng Honda and the e:NP1 by GAC Honda. In China, this battery-electric crossover offers up to 201 horsepower from a single electric motor, with a slightly less powerful variant delivering 180 horsepower. This 201-horsepower output matches that of the Hyundai Kona Electric, a vehicle known for its acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds. If the e:Ny1 is introduced to the market, Honda will likely aim to achieve a similar level of performance.
Drawing from the specifications of the China-only e:NS1 and e:NP1, it is expected that the Honda e:Ny1 will feature a 68.8-kWh battery pack, providing a range of 311 miles based on China’s CLTC cycle. However, it is important to note that EPA ratings are likely to be closer to around 250 miles. The e:Ny1 will also offer the convenience of rapid charging, allowing the battery to reach 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes.
As gasoline prices rise and fuel efficiency becomes a critical factor, the compact and fully electric e:Ny1 crossover should provide an affordable and cost-effective driving experience, delivering both savings and environmental benefits.
Pricing
While Honda has already introduced the e-city car in Europe, the e:Ny1 will be the first model to utilize Honda’s dedicated e:N Architecture F.
The specific price of the 2024 Honda e:Ny1 has not been disclosed by the manufacturer at this time. However, we can make an estimation by considering the starting price of the HR-V hybrid model that is currently available in the United Kingdom. The HR-V hybrid starts at £27,960 in the UK, which is approximately $36,800. Given this information, it is reasonable to assume that the all-electric e:Ny1 will likely have a starting price above $40,000 based on its manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP.
In an attempt to catch up with the rapidly evolving EV market, Honda is taking steps to make amends for its earlier lag. Despite being a late entrant, the automaker is finally launching its first EV on a dedicated platform. However, the Honda Prologue, their initial offering in the United States, is scheduled for release only next year.
The Prologue is a collaborative effort between Honda and General Motors based on the Ultium platform. Similar to its competitors, Honda announced plans earlier this year to accelerate EV production and development through a revamped business structure.
Nonetheless, Honda’s second fully electric EV is not expected to hit the US market until 2026. By then, it may be too late, as the company risks falling further behind. To prevent this, Honda may need to reassess its timeline and make the necessary adjustments to stay competitive.
In conclusion, Honda is making significant strides in its electrification journey, as evidenced by the exciting lineup of electric vehicles on the horizon. Although the e:Ny1 is currently showcased as a prototype, it showcases the sleek and contemporary design language seen in the European version of the latest Honda HR-V.
As a fully electric vehicle, the e:Ny1 is poised to compete with established EV rivals, promising an engaging driving experience. With its captivating aesthetics and electric performance, the e:Ny1 sets the stage for an electrifying and innovative future that Honda is prepared to embrace.