Large information from Thailand, the place Honda has introduced the beginning of manufacturing of the Honda e:N1 EV. The ‘electrical HR-V’ will get a devoted manufacturing facility line at Honda’s plant in Rojana Industrial Park, Prachinburi province, and makes use of native elements. With this, Honda can declare to be the primary Japanese carmaker to provide a full EV in Thailand. Particulars available on the market launch might be introduced in Q1 2024.

The e:N1 is mainly the e:Ny1 with a barely totally different identify. Primarily an HR-V with no engine, it was previewed by the e:Ny1 Prototype from March 2022, which is analogous to the China market e:NS1 and e:NP1 twins. The e:Ny1 made its European debut earlier this yr.

It appears to be like like an HR-V, however Honda says that the e:Ny1 sits on the newly-developed e:N Structure F, a front-motor-driven platform with three elementary attributes – a devoted excessive rigidity physique construction, a low centre of gravity, and punctiliously managed under-floor aerodynamics to make sure a “enjoyable and confidence-inspiring drive”. Additionally talked about was “trademark Honda dynamics”, so that you get a way of what they’re making an attempt to do right here.

The light-weight three-in-one built-in energy drive unit, electrical motor and gearbox produces 201 hp (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque within the Euro-spec e:Ny1, juiced by a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Claimed vary is 412 km within the WLTP cycle – considerably increased than the Honda e – and Honda says that DC fast-charging can get you from 10 to 80% SOC in 45 minutes.

Honda says that the brand new chassis developed particularly for EVs offers improved torsional rigidity, and key to that is high-tensile metal, which is used throughout 47% of the e:Ny1’s physique (by weight, not space). “Alongside the brand new platform and powertrain, these mix to supply the dynamic efficiency, distinctive consolation and refinement drivers will anticipate from Honda’s newest EV,” the corporate provides.

Typical EV cues reminiscent of a closed-off nostril and charging flap apart, do you discover something totally different? It’s not so clear in these studio photographs, however white ‘H’ badges throughout the outside and on the steering wheel is a brand new electrical identification for Honda, similar to crimson for Kind R and blue for hybrids. Additionally, there’s a brand new ‘Honda’ typeface brand for the rear.

Honda is a grasp of packaging, and this ability must also be obvious in EVs. The corporate says that intelligent packaging of the electrical drivetrain parts make sure the e:Ny1 provides “exceptional inside area and luxury”. The HR-V’s acquainted dashboard will get a big 15.1-inch portrait touchscreen which incorporates what appears to be like like a everlasting part for AC controls. Forward of the motive force, the meter panel is a digital display screen with no binnacle – browse the gallery beneath.

Do you suppose that the e:N1 EV would do properly in Malaysia? To regionally assemble a product, Honda Malaysia, like every other OEM with a plant right here, would wish to decide to a sure determine, and the numbers must justify the funding. Malaysia is after all a smaller automobile market than Thailand and Indonesia.

At yesterday’s new CR-V launch, Honda Malaysia MD and CEO Hironobu Yoshimura mentioned that the corporate will concentrate on hybrids for now. “In Malaysia, at this second we’re specializing in hybrid as a extra sensible resolution first. At a sure time, we’ll come again to full electrical,” he mentioned. Full story right here.

GALLERY: 2023 Honda e:Ny1, European spec

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