There were many really cool launches and concepts shown at last month’s Shanghai Autoshow like the refreshed Mini Clubman and even Toyota’s electric C-HRs. What flew under our radar was Honda’s X-NV Concept.
The idea behind the X-NV is to use the HR-V platform and fit in an all-electric powertrain and battery. Not only that, Honda Motor China and Dongfeng Honda will give it a fresh and unique design to cater exclusively to the Chinese domestic market.
As is legally required in China, the X-NV’s exterior features blue highlights to signify its status as a zero-emissions vehicle.
There was no indication of where Honda would source the battery and electric powertrain components. Another China-exclusive electric vehicle, the Everus VE-1 comes in mind. Its 161hp/280Nm electric motor would do nicely here. Paired with a 53.6 kWh battery, this could give the X-NV more than 300km of range.
If you’re wondering about the strange name, part of the explanation lies in the fact that the HR-V is sold there as the XR-V.
Press release:
Honda today exhibited the world premiere of the X-NV Concept, a concept model of its China-exclusive electric vehicle (EV), at Auto Shanghai 2019 (The 18th International Automobile & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition, Press days: April 16-17, 2019, Public days: April 18-25, 2019).
The X-NV Concept developed jointly by Honda Motor China Technology Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng Honda is a concept model for the first mass-production EV model Dongfeng Honda will introduce exclusively to the Chinese market. The mass-production model based on the X-NV Concept is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2019.
Honda booth exhibits also include the China premiere of Odyssey Hybrid (a product of GAC Honda), which is scheduled to go on sale in China at the end of April 2019, as well as a booth where visitors can experience the second-generation Honda CONNECT.
Last year, Honda announced its mid-term vision for electrification in China, which is to “introduce more than 20 electrified models to the market by 2025.” Based on this vision, GAC Honda introduced an EV developed exclusively for the Chinese market, Everus VE-1, last year, and Honda also is planning to introduce plug-in hybrid models starting from 2020.
Moreover, in addition to automobiles, Honda introduced the V-GO electric motorcycle and Transcooter electrified micro mobility product last year. Honda will further accelerate electrification of a broad range of mobility products.
