Deep Dive on the Prototype E Vehicle
It's got a full digital dash, almost 130 miles of range, and four doors.
The latest on the little EV
We recently touched on the Prototype E, formerly the previous Urban EV Concept, but now we'll get into everything from the Geneva 2019 show. The Prototype E now sports four doors but lost the big white wheels of the Urban version. The vehicle slated to go into production later this year is said to look almost identical to what we are seeing now. Along with that bit of information from Honda we now also have the first tech specs of the powertrain.
Is 30 minutes still too long?
The first of those spec reveals is that the Prototype will have a range of about 124 miles and will charge from empty to 80% in around 30 minutes. The Prototype is hindered by its dimensions as a smaller car would naturally have a smaller sized battery. The Prototype is meant for, wait for it, urban environment driving. The charging port has been placed directly on the front of the vehicle underneath a small black door.
Image used courtesy of Motor1
Screens everywhere
The interior is a mix of old and new with a wood-paneled dash laden with buttons, menus, and screens. For as busy as the dash looks the cabin is an exercise in minimalism meant to drive forward the focus that internally Honda has a goal of creating a "lounge on wheels." The two screens at either end of the dash are for the exterior cameras and the rearview mirror is also a digital screen.
Looks comfy enough
There is a center console that sits between the front seats and houses the gear selector, driving mode, and various other related controls. The back seat has a flat floor which is indicative if EVs with no use for a transmission hump going through the cabin. In another effort to make the interior feel as comfy as possible the wheels were pushed out to the corners with big bench-like seats to relax on.
Photo courtesy of Fully Charged
Prime nap real estate
The Prototype is Honda's first compact that will be built on a new standalone electric platform. This platform will serve as the basis for other models that Honda will produce that will have a range over 124 miles of distance. The Prototype has a long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs with an electric motor that drives power to the rear wheels. There are no horsepower figures yet but I'd surmise that with the small battery and pricing of the vehicle power may be around 150-175 horsepower.
Really Honda?!
Now for the sucky part. The production car will only be sold in Europe but that could change in the near future. Pricing hasn't been announced yet but speculation is betting that the number will be between $33,000 to $52,000. Honda is also looking to run a limited production of the Prototype in Japan.