Both e:NS2 and e:NP2 are likely to get a spec bump over e:NS1 and e:NP1 respectively – More performance and larger battery are likely
Honda has showcased four different electric concepts at Shanghai Auto Show. These are e:N GT, e:N SUV, e:NS2 and e:NP2. Out of the four Honda concepts, e:N GT is a recurring concept vehicle, first showcased a year ago. It is a futuristic four-door electric sedan. There are no visible changes with it when compared to last year’s showcase.
e:N SUV is larger than HR-V based e:NS2 and e:NP2 electric compact SUVs. It is likely to be China-only. And could spawn into a production-spec version by the end of 2024. Production-spec versions of Honda e:NS2 and e:NP2 concept vehicles are the logical successors of e:NS1 and e:NP1 electric SUVs launched last year.
The Two Musketeers Based On HR-V
Before diving into e:NS2 and e:NP2, we have to understand Honda’s compact SUV lineup for China. Just like there are two different CR-Vs sold in China, there are two different HR-Vs too. Unlike the two CR-Vs, both HR-Vs are not HR-V. Guangqi Honda sells North American spec HR-V as ZR-V in China. It doesn’t get any EV versions.
Then there is global HR-V, sold in China as HR-V by Dongfeng Honda. It spawns two different electric versions called e:NS1 and e:NP1 sold by Dongfeng Honda and Guangqi Honda respectively. Also, both these eSUVs are unrelated to Honda Prologue SUV for North America. Phew! Also, whatever happened to car manufacturers using words as names, huh?
Primary difference between the two HR-V based EVs is that e:NS1 gets body coloured front charging port cap and e:NP1 gets a gloss black finish. Both of them feature Porsche inspired tail light designs and Mustang Mach-e inspired interior layout. There is a need for design distinctions between the two and Honda is doing just that. e:NS2 and e:NP2 concepts showcased by Honda take different design paths.
When Can We Expect New Honda Electric SUVs To Launch?
e:NS2 gets arrow-like LED elements at the front reminiscent of Peugeots. e:NP2 takes a more sober approach and draws inspiration from US-spec Civic sedan. Both e:NS2 and e:NP2 are likely to get a spec bump as opposed to outgoing e:NS1 and e:NP1. Both eSUVs packed a 53.6 kWh battery in lower variants and a 68.8 kWh battery in top variants.
The 53.6 kWh battery-equipped variants got a 182 bhp and 300 Nm motor and promised a CLTC range of 420 km, while the 68.8 kWh versions got 204 bhp and 310 Nm, a range of 510 km. With both models, battery looked like it was suspended from the platform, which received criticism.
e:N SUV is larger than both aforementioned eSUVs. Thorough data is not yet available. Both e:N SUV and e:N GT are likely to get production-spec versions by 2025. e:N GT is not likely related to Afeela sub-brand developed by Honda-Sony JV. India launch is not likely to happen anytime soon.
Source: Electric - rushlane.com
