Honda SUV e:prototype showcased at Auto Shanghai 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: Several auto giants have put up their amazing electric concepts on display at the 2021 Auto Shanghai, among which, Honda SUV e:Prototype is the one that grabbed our attention. The Honda EV concept is basically an evolution of the SUV e: concept, the company presented at Auto China 2020 and looks much like the all-electric version of the recently-unveiled new-gen HR-V. Well, details are pretty scarce at this time.

Although the EV looks like the HR-V at a first glance, it does have its own identity that can be easily observed in the form of a closed-off front grille. The SUV gets plenty of illuminated bits, including LED strips along the sides of the front bumper, an LED strip running along with the hood, an illuminated logo, and a light strip on the side skirts. However, the rear gets simple full-length connected tail lights. Overall, the styling is one step fancier than the HR-V with more chiseled flanks and a contrasting roof.

Apart from futuristic looks, the Honda SUV e:Prototype is fitted with the third-generation of Honda CONNECT that offers several advanced functions like everyday connectivity, smartphone link, and OTA updates based on a sophisticated voice-recognition interface. For example, enabling the operation of smart home appliances and online shopping while driving. It will provide a fresh and fun-filled value of mobility to the SUV owners, says Honda. Included in the advanced tech bits is Honda’s omnidirectional ADAS, the next-generation advanced safety, and driver-assistive system. 

While Honda kept numb about the e:Prototype powertrain specs, we do know that it will run on all-electric propulsion. For which, Honda has teamed up with General Motors for using its Ultium batteries. 

More importantly, Honda revealed its big electrification plans for China at the show. It says that this concept car is one of the ten fully electric vehicles it has planned to introduce in the country within the next five years. The production-spec model of Honda SUV e:Prototype is set to go on sale by 2022.

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