Presented for the first time in September 2017 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Honda Urban-EV is based on a brand new platform dedicated to electric cars.
This city runabout comes equipped with a brand new mode of propulsion with distinguishing features of a future city dweller. The car is 3.90m long, 1.75m wide and 1.50m high and looks particularly stylish with its retractable door handles and cameras in place of exterior side view mirrors.
The full-width, digital dashboard in the Honda e Prototype shows how technology can better connect people. Seamless smartphone connectivity, voice-operated systems and all manner of information about the driver’s journey and driving style are available. The humble wing mirror is replaced by the latest, most sophisticated video cameras, which display the surrounding environment in greater detail than any mirror and virtually eliminate the danger of blind spots. They also eliminate drag. Buttons offering shortcuts to popular features are placed on the stylish, two-spoke steering wheel. And did you notice how something’s missing? There’s no gearlever. Instead, buttons for Drive, Reverse and Park are conveniently placed by the driver’s knee.
The cockpit will be minimalist so according to Honda to “create a relaxing atmosphere for the occupants”. A double and large touch screen combines most of the vehicle controls and each end retransmits the images from the cameras.
Inspired by Japanese principles of architecture, the open-plan layout of the Honda e Prototype reflects ‘Ma’. The word describes the dynamic created by open space. Honda’s designers and engineers worked in harmony, creating a flat floor and rear-wheel drive layout that allows for such an open interior. Natural woods and soft-touch, natural woollen fabrics bring further calm to the space. Clean, concise graphics for the driver’s information display and infotainment system ensure that the latest technology complements the natural feel. Stowage spaces and charging ports ensure everything has its place.
Honda announces a power output of about 100hp for a driving range of 200km. The recharge time will be fast at 80% power recovered in just 30 minutes.
