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.

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Comments

Anonymous

Now thats a EV that I’d like to own and daily drive it…

02/27/2019 - 15:06 |
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Anonymous

the bodylines are very 90’s design.. here’s me hoping Mitsubishi will bring back the Evo IX bodywork just like this but maybe with an EV heart and an electric S-AWC, ACD and AYC all in place. I would sell my house for one if they manage to get it done.

02/27/2019 - 15:48 |
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Anonymous

Also people talking about the range on this thing clearly miss the point of a mini car, its mostly for city commutes where parking for your daily sedan/suv is either going to get a ton more expensive year on year or there’s no more space for them at all.

02/27/2019 - 15:50 |
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Anonymous

For current range standards that is a bit low and disappointing. I would expect at least mid 200s

02/27/2019 - 15:51 |
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Anonymous

if they price it right itll surely succeed

02/27/2019 - 16:11 |
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Callum Luker

tragic Honda hatchback intensifies

02/27/2019 - 18:39 |
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675LT_ftw

One of the coolest little cars since the Rover Mini 👍👍👍👍

02/27/2019 - 21:58 |
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PorscheBoi996

I live in the city and i want this

02/27/2019 - 22:47 |
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Muhammad Haqy Aunoora

I really like the fabric seats and wood panels, the exterior styling too. I guess I just like the whole thing

02/28/2019 - 04:13 |
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Anonymous

I love the body style. Looks like the 70s civics

02/28/2019 - 04:52 |
1 | 0