Honda’s Rear-Wheel Drive ‘E Prototype’ Electric Supermini Is Here

Although not quite in production form yet, this is almost exactly what the production version of Honda’s Urban EV concept will look like
Honda’s Rear-Wheel Drive ‘E Prototype’ Electric Supermini Is Here

Honda has revealed the first pictures of the near-production-spec electric supermini that emerged from the Urban EV concept of 2017.

The firm has kept what’s now known as the ‘e Prototype’ reasonably faithful to the Urban EV while managing to change its overall look completely. It has had to round the nose off a little for pedestrian safety, the wheels are smaller and there aren’t so many 1990s-style sharp corners in the roof line.

Honda’s Rear-Wheel Drive ‘E Prototype’ Electric Supermini Is Here

That means the angular, aggressive and achingly cool Urban EV has transitioned into a bubblier, friendlier and altogether cuter animal. Whether the switch is the right one is personal opinion, but this version should have greater market appeal in the vein of the Fiat 500 and Mini.

It’s short, with a long wheelbase and wide stance for an entertaining, go-kart feel through the city. Our experience with other EVs at city-appropriate speeds suggests the e Prototype should feel like a happy little chap around town.

Honda’s Rear-Wheel Drive ‘E Prototype’ Electric Supermini Is Here

Neat standard features (on this prototype) include a panoramic up-and-over windscreen that lets in more light. It’s fixed to A-pillars that sit almost flush with the screen for reduced wind noise.

The door handles sit flush as well, popping out like on some Range Rovers. Let’s see how they work when the car freezes over in winter. Intriguingly the side mirrors have been replaced with cameras that feed to interior screens at the outer edges of the dashboard. The rear-view ‘mirror’ is also a camera that feeds to a central screen.

The Urban EV concept (pictured) was more angular than the e Prototype
The Urban EV concept (pictured) was more angular than the e Prototype

You charge the e Prototype by lifting the black panel on its nose. Driving range should be ‘over 125 miles’, says Honda, with fast-charging technology that’s good for an 80 per cent refill in 30 minutes.

Inside, there’s a flat floor throughout, increasing the sense of space and legroom. Honda has gone for a ‘contemporary home’ vibe for the upholstery and trim materials. In all seriousness that could mean ‘inspired by Ikea,’ so we’re looking forward to seeing the real thing.

Sponsored Posts

Comments

Elliot.J99

It looks so nice OwO

02/27/2019 - 10:29 |
38 | 1

O_O

02/27/2019 - 15:18 |
1 | 0
02/27/2019 - 15:49 |
15 | 1
CannedRex24

omg it looks so cute!

now honestly, how can you hate it?

02/27/2019 - 10:40 |
27 | 1

by having a negative iq

02/28/2019 - 00:43 |
7 | 1

It looks like they melted the urban ev and then hit it in the face with a frying pan

02/28/2019 - 07:50 |
0 | 2
Anonymous

Thats the only ev i’d have

02/27/2019 - 10:55 |
3 | 0
Martin Burns

That dashboard! It’s like all those 80s future concepts but irl!

02/27/2019 - 10:55 |
16 | 0
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

ThatElementGuy (◣_◢) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

02/27/2019 - 11:02 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

I mean it’s really good looking but how can you offer 125 miles on an EV-only car when the new 208 will have 210 miles WLTP and choices for petrol and diesel engines aswell ? I mean I really want to love this car but 125 miles was ok in 2017 for an EV.

02/27/2019 - 11:03 |
0 | 0
Martin Burns

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

My guess is weight savings in the batteries. Just my two cents, but if the car is designed as a city car, stands to reason it’s not leaving the city often. And truth be told I haven’t filled up my daily in almost a month, yet I drive it every day. Currently doing on the order of 80 miles a week, so at that rate I’d be charging every third day or so if I had this neat little Honda EV. Not bad really..

If this was designed to be some sort of GT electro highway cruiser I’d agree, but it’s definitely a “get-about” and so I’d much rather enjoy a lighter chasis

02/27/2019 - 11:18 |
5 | 0
Anonymous

I honestly kind of love this car!

02/27/2019 - 11:14 |
2 | 0
Ieuan Jenkins

Do the batteries have Vtec??

02/27/2019 - 12:09 |
22 | 0
Anonymous

MY GOD ITS BEAUTIFUL

02/27/2019 - 12:16 |
2 | 0
Dante Verna

Electric cars: this is doing it right

02/27/2019 - 12:40 |
2 | 0