Honda Everus VE-1 has claimed range of 340 km on a single charge and it uses a high capacity Lithium-ion battery pack
Honda took to the stage at the recently concluded Guangzhou Auto Show to introduce an electric variant of its popular HR-V. Evolved from its Everus EV concept that debuted at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, it has been dubbed the VE-1, and is initially set to debut in the largest electric vehicle market in the world, China.
Automobile manufacturers are sensing a big pie in the Chinese market due to its advancements in EV technologies and having a local partner is part of the strategy to have a strong foothold as well as pricing the models competitively. The Honda VE-1 is a thorough evolution of the regular HR-V sold worldwide with an electric drivetrain.
It comes equipped with an electric motor capable of developing a maximum power output of 163 PS and 280 Nm of peak torque. The Lithium-ion battery pack has an appreciable high capacity of 53.6 kWh and Honda claims the VE-1 can do 340 km driving range on a single charge in the NEDC testing cycle.
To allow flexibility during driving, the Japanese manufacturer is offering modes such as Normal, Battery Saver and Sport. The former is a balance between range and performance while Battery Saver focusses on efficiency of the battery pack, and Sport dealing with only the performance and handling side of affairs.
Honda is offering the VE-1 for both private and ride hailing customers and it has been quoted with a price of 1,70,800 yuan including tax exemption (around Rs. 18 lakh approximately). The electric SUV measures 4,308 mm long, 1,824 mm wide and stands 1,625 mm tall with wheelbase of 2,610 mm.
The standard HR-V or Vezel is expected to reach India in the near future considering the popularity of premium SUVs. The brand’s first eco0-friendly vehicle for India has reportedly been readied for debut by 2023-24 and is said to have range of up to 200 km. Following the launch of the Civic early next year, a new-gen City with hybrid powertrain is earmarked for 2020 or 2021.