Honda HR-V Electric Version Unveiled to the Public

In December 2023, Honda announced the start of production for the Honda e:N1, an electric version of the HR-V, in Thailand. This milestone makes Honda the first major Japanese automaker to establish an electric vehicle production line in the country. The all-electric SUV is manufactured at a specialized facility located in the Rojana Industrial Park, Prachinburi province.

Honda e:N1 at the Bangkok International Motor Show

Recently, the Honda e:N1 made its public debut at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. Essentially, the E:N1 is the European version of the e:Ny1 electric vehicle that Honda launched in 2023. The e:N1 shares a similar design with its “sibling,” the HR-V.

According to the manufacturer, the e:Ny1 is based on the new e:N Architecture F platform, which features a front-wheel drive configuration and three core attributes: a specialized high-rigidity body structure, a low center of gravity, and careful management of aerodynamics to ensure an engaging and confident driving experience.

Design and Features

The Honda e:N1 is equipped with a front grille that reflects its all-electric nature, featuring the same color as the headlight bezels and charging port. The charging status indicator consists of a line of LED lights located above the front grille. The sporty and modern design is further enhanced by the vertical patterns running along the sides of the vehicle, from the headlights to the taillights. The Honda emblem, shaped like an “H,” represents the vehicle’s zero emissions characteristic. Additionally, the brand’s name, “Honda,” is displayed in a new font on the rear.

The e:N1 features 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels and exterior elements such as automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, sequential LED turn indicators, smoked LED taillights, a rear spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. The electric SUV is only available in one exterior color, the Premium Sunlight White Pearl.

Inside, the e:N1 boasts sporty black leather seats with white and blue accent stitching. The center console has been redesigned to accommodate the larger 15.1-inch Advanced Touch Display Audio touchscreen, mounted vertically. The display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. The dashboard also houses a 10.25-inch TFT multi-information display, an electronic parking brake switch, and simple rotary knobs. The menu on the 15.1-inch screen is organized into three zones: Connect, Driver Support, and A/C controls.

Moreover, the Honda e:N1 includes various convenience features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a PM2.5 air filter, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 6-speaker audio system, four USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C in the front, and two USB-C ports in the rear), wireless charging, ambient interior lighting in blue, and a versatile 60:40 split-folding rear seat.

Performance and Safety

The power of the e:N1 is delivered by a single electric motor integrated with the drive unit and transmission, generating 201 horsepower (or 150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque. This is the same powertrain configuration as the e:Ny1, which is currently available in Europe. The e:N1 is equipped with a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a maximum range of 500 km (based on NEDC standards) on a single charge (while the e:Ny1 is advertised with a WLTP cycle range of 412 km).

Although the Japanese automaker has not specified the charging time for the e:N1, it supports both DC CCS 2 and AC Type 2 charging. The charging time is expected to be similar to that of the e:Ny1, which can charge from 10% to 80% capacity in 45 minutes using fast DC charging (speed unspecified).

In terms of safety, the e:N1 comes equipped with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, and Honda Sensing. The driver-assist features include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning with Road Departure Mitigation (RDM with LDW), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Low-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control with Follow mode (ACC with LSF), and Leading Vehicle Departure Notification (LCDN).

Additional safety features include Blind Spot Information (BSI), Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), a multi-angle rearview camera, eight parking sensors (four in the front and four in the rear), and automatic brake hold. Honda Connect provides the driver with information on the charging status and allows for monitoring and adjusting the e:N1’s battery charging settings through a mobile application. Three charging modes are available, ranging from “Low” (limiting the power to six amperes) to “High” (supporting the maximum current from the charging unit that the battery can handle).

The introduction of the Honda e:N1 represents a significant step towards a greener future for the automotive industry. With its stylish design, advanced technology, and impressive range, the Honda HR-V electric version is set to make a positive impact on the market.

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