Will Honda Malaysia launch their first compact EV in Malaysia?
In October this year Honda conducted its Electric Car drive event in Amsterdam, where the automaker announced it will electrify its entire product line very soon. These will include BEVs, plug-in hybrid models and hybrid cars as well.
While Honda wants all of its cars to be electrified within the next three years, only a handful of them will be zero emission vehicles. Of the six models Honda will introduce, only two will be pure-electric, the first is the Honda e, which is due in 2020 and there will be an additional car that Honda has not shared any information other than saying it will be unveiled two years later in 2022.
Interesting Facts About The Honda e
The Honda e driver only needs to use Single Pedal Control to get full control of the regenerative braking. The Honda e is the first purpose-built, all-electric car with fast charging and a unique water-cooled battery system. This electric car has a simple, flowing design that can wrap its up-to-the-minute technological innovation. It becomes a premium example of a stylish car with the most essential elements.
A recent media report says that Honda Motor Japan has vowed to quit diesel engines and Honda is also putting its hydrogen fuel program, on hold for an indefinite period. It quotes Katsushi Inoue, Honda Europe’s president, who said, “Maybe hydrogen fuel cell cars will come, but that’s a technology for the next era. Our focus is on hybrid and electric vehicles now.”
A new 100% electric model, not from the existing range, will be launched by Honda before 2022. It will join the Honda e. For the moment, it’s impossible to know if it’s an SUV or another type of vehicle type.
Honda e technology partners
The Japanese brand has started an electrification operation so that all its models are hybrid or electric by 2023. The manufacturer is preparing in particular by signing partnerships with different companies like Evtec (software and chargers), Hitachi (electronic), Moixa (energy management software) and Ubitricity (terminals).
How much will it cost
The Honda E small electric vehicle will be launched in Europe by the summer 2020 at an expected price tag of USD33,000 (about RM138,000 before local taxes and delivery costs) with a 35.5-kWh battery pack. With the demands for electric cars rising steadily in Europe, Honda has chosen the European continent for the launch of this compact EV.
The Honda e is designed to be small, targeting urban dwellers and the performance specs being cited reflect that where there is a 200km range.
It is also a five-door model, with cameras for mirrors, whether they will be available in all territories will depend on local regulations and there’s a digital rearview mirror too. More interesting is the fact that it is rear-wheel driven unlike most other new EV’s.
