Honda unveils EV prototype lineup at Auto Shanghai 2023

Honda has revealed its subsequent wave of battery-electric autos at Auto Shanghai 2023. Two of them are close-to-production prototypes, whereas a 3rd idea stands in for a future car a bit additional down the street.

The e:NP2 Prototype and e:NS2 Prototype signify crossovers that shall be accessible in Chinese language showrooms in early 2024. They’re a part of the second wave of Honda’s China-exclusive e:N sequence of battery-electric fashions, constructed on a brand new devoted EV structure. The primary wave included the e:NP1 and e:NS1, which used the sheetmetal of a mannequin that we within the U.S. would acknowledge because the HR-V (In China, it goes by XR-V and Vezel). 

In case you assume the e:NP2 and e:NS2 look related, that is not your eyes deceiving you. They’re doubtless the identical automotive with barely completely different designs. Honda has two joint-ventures in China, GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda, and every one constructed a model of the automotive. The e:NS2’s nostril extra intently resembles the Honda Readability, whereas the e:NP2 appears extra just like the last-generation Honda Accord. Each have a fastback-style rear.

In the meantime, the Honda e:N SUV 序 Idea previews the third wave of the e:N sequence, scheduled to reach in late 2024. It contains a extra conventional squared-off rear. “序” means “prologue” in Chinese language, however the automotive appears to have little in frequent with the U.S. Honda Prologue that shares a Basic Motors platform.

Honda says the driving dynamics of all these autos draw on the historical past of its sharp-handling passenger automobiles and let the driving force “get pleasure from a way of oneness with the car.” Contemplating how a lot of a departure trendy Hondas are from their CRX and Prelude heyday, we’ll consider that once we see it. All three additionally function the most recent software program together with Honda Join 4.0.

The press pictures present a fourth Honda EV, a low and modern sedan that appears like one thing the massive unhealthy’s chauffeur would drive in a dystopian cyberpunk film. Sadly, there is no point out of the automotive in Honda’s press launch. Hopefully it can seem down the street, as Honda has pledged to launch 10 new EV fashions in China by the yr 2027 and have a very electrical lineup there by 2035.