HONDA

SUV e:Ny1 Prototype is the brand's electrified model that opens a new phase for the Japanese manufacturer

Honda revealed much of its future plans a few days ago. At the event where it unveiled the new Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid, the Japanese brand also announced some news, which include vehicle launches in the coming years and a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the purposes of many other companies in the sector. . And one of these novelties is the Honda e:Ny1 Prototype.

The brand assured that it has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and that it will abandon the sale of cars with internal combustion engines in 2040. For this, it is important to build a line of electric cars that will gradually replace those equipped with a thermal engine. And precisely in this line, Honda has confirmed three new electrified models in Europe that will arrive next year.

The new models, which also include the first ever hybrid Civic (on sale in late 2022), will include a fully electric B-segment SUV, a C-segment hybrid SUV and the new Honda CR-V, which will be available for the first time in Europe “with both a full hybrid powertrain and a plug-in hybrid powertrain,” according to the company.

The all-electric B-segment SUV is precisely what we know most about so far. This crossover appeared in a first advance through the Honda e:Ny1 Prototype. For now, it is a concept car, but the exterior styling of the production model is ahead of schedule, which is expected to arrive on the market in 2023.

The front is characterized by elongated LED headlights that are joined to a small grille. It's not bigger because it doesn't need cooling for the engine, since it's a 100% electric vehicle. The bumper has a small splitter and the hood has a very elongated shape. There are large wheel arches, side skirts, door-mounted mirrors and a relatively flat roof.

The rear, meanwhile, features a spoiler that continues the roof and sits on top of a very sloping rear window, in the style of the coupe SUVs that are so fashionable on the market. A one-piece optical LED frame runs the entire width of the vehicle, sitting over the Honda lettering in place of the logo. There's also a fairly large trunk lid and a black-toned plastic-coated bumper to match the front. A set of wheels in a multi-spoke design completes the set.

“We are already very advanced in our plans to continue expanding the offer of hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles to our customers, and to increase our offer in the B and C SUV segments, segments that are experiencing rapid growth. The new models we introduce in 2023 pave the way for Honda's next generation of electrified cars, all of which feature the exhilarating driving dynamics, comfort and exceptional functionality our customers are already familiar with," explained Tom Gardner, Senior VP. from Honda Motor Europe.

For now, details about its propulsion system and interior have not been revealed. On a mechanical level, Honda's new electric SUV-B should offer a new propulsion system, with more power and electric range than the Honda e. We hope to learn more data and images as the months progress.

Autonews