Should Honda Really Build an Electric S2000?

Viable Product?

Rumors of both an S2000 revival and electric S2000 have swirled for years now, though neither has ever been substantiated in any measurable way. And for many fans of Honda's roadster, that's perfectly fine. Most would be happy if the automaker left their beloved model alone rather than "ruin" it, but at the same time, it's worth wondering if an all-electric S2000 would actually be a viable product.

Photos: Honda

End of ICE

We seem to be headed slowly toward a world where ICE-powered cars are no longer sold new, as many U.S. states and countries have already set a deadline of 2035 for a ban on new ICE-powered vehicle sales. Thus, one day, we might all be driving electric vehicles, save for the old gas cars we keep as collectibles and relics of the past. So if Honda was to ever bring back the S2000 with ICE power, it would have to happen soon.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the possibility of an electric S2000 right here in S2Ki.com. 

Performance Benefits

There are reasons to believe that an S2000 EV could provide a fun driving experience, of course, as we've seen some impressive performance products emerge from Tesla in recent years. Batteries can be positioned to give EVs low centers of gravity as well, which does wonders for handling, and that instant torque is indeed quite addicting.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the possibility of an electric S2000 right here in S2Ki.com. 

Cool Product

We've seen from Tesla and the forthcoming Hummer EV that electric vehicles can be fun, niche products. Perhaps an electric S2000 could be the vehicle Honda needs to launch itself into the future of transportation as well, attracting people who like to drive or simply want something "cool" instead of a boring, egg-shaped, cookie-cutter EV.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the possibility of an electric S2000 right here in S2Ki.com. 

Few Differences

An S2000 EV would obviously be a huge departure from the car we know and love, as there'd be no high-revving four-cylinder under the hood, and certainly no glorious exhaust notes for us to enjoy. We also wouldn't be modifying its mechanicals, which is something that has made the S2000 more attractive over the years.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the possibility of an electric S2000 right here in S2Ki.com. 

Personality Welcome

But at the same time, if we're going to be forced to own and drive EVs, why wouldn't we want a rear-wheel-drive, drop-top sports car instead of some boring crossover? Something that we could take to the track and push to its limits on the weekends and still daily drive, not just a basic commuter vehicle that's devoid of any personality?

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the possibility of an electric S2000 right here in S2Ki.com. 

Two Questions

Honda has already shown that it can build a cool EV with the Honda e, and its recent deal with GM to use the Ultium battery platform makes building an electric S2000 within the realm of possibility. Now, the only questions that remain are - will they, and if they do, will people buy it?

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the possibility of an electric S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.