The Honda Everus VE-1 uses a 53.6 kWh battery pack and electric motor to deliver 163 PS power and 280 Nm torque with range of 340 km
At the 2018 Beijing Auto Show in April, Honda revealed a brand new Everus EV Concept based on the HR-V and its production version has now been introduced exclusively for China. Honda Motor and its Chinese partner GAC Group have presented the VE-1 SUV at the ongoing Guangzhou Auto Show.
With notable visual changes and the existence of an all-electric drivetrain, the Honda VE-1 is an evolved version of the globally popular HR-V. Firstly, the all-important electric medium of propulsion comprises of a 120 kW (163 PS) and 280 Nm producing electric motor.
The system has a Li-ion battery pack with 53.6 kWh capacity and it helps in delivering claimed EV range of 340 km on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) testing. Drivers will have the option to choose between Normal, Battery saver and Sport modes depending on the driving circumstances.
Honda has made the VE-1 available for both private and car sharing community. The electrified HR-V will be retailed for 1,70,800 yuan (Rs. 17.66 lakh approx) which includes a range of tax relaxations and it is nearly 42,000 yuan more expensive than the regular HR-V or Vezel as it’s called in some markets.
The Honda Everus VE-1 runs on 17-inch wheels and measures length of 4,308 mm, width of 1,824 mm and height of 1,625 mm along with 2,610 mm wheelbase. Whether the standard HR-V will reach India or not is still debatable but the chances are high considering the thriving sales in the premium SUV space. Honda, being a premium brand in India, may not want to be left behind in this regard.
Honda and GAC are investing 3.27 billion yuan (Rs. 3,371 crore approx) in building a new plant with capacity to produce 1,70,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China. Honda will manufacture GAC’s Trumpchi GS4 electric compact SUV, which will be sold through Honda outlets operated with GAC.
The Japanese auto major’s first EV in India will reportedly be launched in 2023-24 period and it will have range between 150 and 200 km on a single charge. It could either be a B-segment model or a SUV. However, in the immediate future, the next generation City with bigger proportions, new global design and overhauled interior will bear a hybrid powertrain with high localised content.