It was only in April that the Honda HR-V electric was paraded across the stage at Auto Shanghai to give us a look at what might come in the future. This new model unveiled as the SUV E: Prototype would certainly be part of the HR-V lineup, but it seems amazing that this vehicle is already in production.
That’s right, the electric version of Honda’s smallest SUV is now in production and being offered in China, which will be the first market to enjoy this new electric SUV. This market happens to be the largest market for EVs in the world, which makes it the perfect place to have a vehicle released that has an entirely electric drivetrain.
A Hefty Vehicle in a Small Package for the Honda HR-V Electric
You never expect a small SUV to weigh in at more than two tons, but the electric version of the HR-V tips the scales at a hefty 4,647 pounds. This new SUV uses an electric motor setup that can give you 201 horsepower, which is good for a top speed of 93 mph. The power comes from a 68.8-kWh battery pack that allows you to drive this SUV all day long. This new Honda rides on 18-inch wheels and doesn’t feel like it weighs as much as it does.
A Different Name for this Honda
We know that vehicles are often found around the world wearing different names than what we see in the United States. The Honda HR-V that is being produced by Dongfeng Honda in China goes by the name e: NS1. This differentiation can only be seen in the badge on the right side of the tailgate of this vehicle.
Another change that shows this SUV to look a bit different from the current version we see is the fact that the E: NS1 has clear taillights and the word “HONDA” spread across the tailgate instead of using a badge.
Will the Honda HR-V Electric Make it to the United States
For now, the new electric version of the HR-V is going to be made and sold in China and nowhere else. There is a new hybrid version that’s being developed for the European and Japanese markets, but not for the US. This hybrid version is being offered with a cleaner, coupe-style design and the new hybrid powertrain to give those markets something new to enjoy.
A separate version is expected to be made for the US market, but there isn’t a launch date, and we don’t have a prototype to tell us when this vehicle will arrive.
The hybrid version being offered in Japan and Europe will be powered by a combination of a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors. This combination is expected to generate 129 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque.
Do We Want an Electric HR-V?
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, more affordable, and more available. Even so, the question of whether or not we want the Honda HR-V to be electrified in the United States is an important question to answer. Hopefully, we will enjoy at least one version of these new HR-V models, but possibly, the model is made for the US will be even more interesting than the ones offered in China, Japan, and Europe.
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