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    Honda Project ACE Will Spawn Elevate-Based EV By 2026

    Honda ElevateA BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) based on Elevate SUV is likely to be the first product under Honda Project ACEHonda Cars India has a game plan for launching 5 SUVs by 2030 and the Elevate is first of these offerings. Recent reports mention that the company is developing a new EV which could be based on Elevate’s design and platform. Internally known as Project ACE, this development might mark Honda’s first-ever BEV to Indian market.Honda Project ACE will spawn Elevate EV In 2026The new Elevate enters a segment wherein it will find itself competing with a host of well-established compact SUVs that currently commanding the segment. These include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor and Citroen C3 Aircross.The electric version of Elevate will compete with Mahindra XUV400, MG ZS EV and upcoming Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta EV and the likes. Reportedly, this new Elevate based EV under Project ACE (Asian Compact Electric) is codenamed DG9D and the company is likely to manufacture it in India and export it globally including markets like Japan.The expected volume for this vehicle might hover around 1 lakh units per year. Majority of that volume might be targeted at global markets, with spare for Indian buyers. At Elevate launch event in Delhi, the company has set forth its roadmap to launch 5 new SUVs by 2030.Honda Elevate DashboardHonda is skipping the hybrid phase that a few other Japanese manufacturers have been holding on to dearly. Instead, Honda will launch BEVs directly, the first of which will be based on ICE-powered Elevate SUV. Launch could happen in 2026 and share many of its components with its ICE cousin and strike an attractive price point.Electric Iteration of Honda Elevate to launch by 2025-26Honda India’s senior management has confirmed that the company’s manufacturing plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan will undergo a retooling process, starting in 2024. The purpose is to accommodate EV production and there may be a bump in production capacity with significant capital investment earmarked for the same.Elevate is a global product too and is set to be exported to multiple nations starting from Japan, where it will be sold as WR-V. Just like ICE Elevate, Honda India is keen on exporting its EV derivative as well. With an increase in production and inclusion of new EVs under Project ACE, company’s exports could double by 2025 when compared to present data.When that happens, international business could account for up to 40% of total Honda Cars India’s sales. More info regarding Project ACE and the EVs falling under it (Including Elevate EV) will be revealed in the coming months.Source More

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    Honda Prologue E-SUV Revealed – 450km Range, AWD, 288bhp

    Honda Prologue E-SUVWhile single motor FWD layout’s performance figures are not revealed, Honda Prologue AWD dual motor version packs 288 bhp and 450 NmAfter unveiling Acura ZDX E-SUV, Honda has taken the wraps off Prologue E-SUV. Like Acura ZDX, Prologue sources its platform from General Motors as well. It features Honda’s new design language similar to Accord sedan. It packs FWD or AWD layouts with around 450 km (280 miles) of range. Bookings in USA will likely go live by the end of 2023, with deliveries in 2024.Honda Prologue E-SUV – Shares platform with GM EVsThis is Honda’s second EV for USA. On paper, it is better than the first. Of course, we’re talking about Honda Clarity EV. With just 89 miles (143 km) range, it didn’t lend enough clarity for buyers to invest in. Now, Honda has sourced General Motors’ scalable Ultium EV platform for both Prologue and Acura ZDX.Honda Prologue is an interesting-looking vehicle, with greater width than height. The black body cladding reduces visual bulk significantly. Couple that with a 4876 mm length and 3093 mm wheelbase, Prologue slightly radiates station wagon appeal. Due to the long wheelbase, there are very short front and rear overhangs. Honda has kept the design neat and simple, radiating understated elegance.In USA, there are three trims on offer – base EX trim, mid-spec Touring and top-spec Elite. While EX and Touring trims get AWD option, Elite gets AWD as standard. There are up to 7 colours on offer, depending on trim levels. Top-spec Elite boasts 21-inch alloy wheels that look swanky. LED headlights, LED DRL and tail light signatures are safe and appealing.Honda Prologue DashboardOn the inside, Honda has given heated and ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory settings, auto-dimming IRVM, perforated leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, HUD, an 11-inch fully digital and configurable digital instrument screen, 11.3-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof and more.Infotainment screen has Google software and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims will bring multiple ADAS features as well. Gear selector is mounted on steering column, lending an uncluttered centre console. Climate control has rotary dials and buttons, which is appreciated. There’s no frunk, but Honda Prologue E-SUV packs a 707L boot, expandable to 1642L.Specs, performance, rangeHonda Prologue E-SUV gets a single-motor FWD layout and 85 kWh battery as standard. Performance figures for FWD layout are still unknown, but similarly specced Chevrolet Equinox EV has 210 bhp and 329 Nm. AWD model with dual motors boasts 288 bhp and 451 Nm. Range is not revealed by Honda yet and around 280 miles (450 km) from a single charge can be speculated.Honda Prologue RearDue to the high voltage architecture, Honda Prologue E-SUV supports fast DC charging up to 155 kW. This way, the car can scoop 65 mile range (104 km) in 10 minutes. That said, an 11.5 kW home charger and a 7.6 kW portable charger are available too. Pricing for Honda Prologue could range between USD 45,000 and USD 60,000 (Rs. 37.42 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh). Prologue is less likely to launch in India. We expect an electrified version of Elevate SUV. More

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    Honda to launch 5 New SUVs in India – Elevate Electric by 2026

    Honda ElevateHonda Cars India Ltd. revealed that Elevate is the first of the five SUVs for Indian marketThe Japanese brand re-opened its account in SUV space of India by unveiling Elevate compact SUV. At this event, HCIL revealed some key strategies it has on its cards for the Indian market. For starters, Honda Elevate will be on offer in India first and more global markets will follow soon.The company intends to make its Indian manufacturing plants, its export hub. Elevate will be the first of five SUVs planned by Honda. Elevate Electric launch has also been confirmed. This will be Honda’s first fully electric SUV for India and launch will happen within the next three years (by 2026).Honda Plans 5 New SUVsTakuya Tsumura, CEO and President of HCIL, promised a strong product strategy for India. Of these 5 new SUVs, one will be Elevate and second will be an electric SUV based on Elevate. It is not clear as to which will be the other three SUVs.Considering competition launch plans, there could be a smaller entry level SUV to rival the likes of upcoming Punch EV and the Exter EV. While the other could be a mid-size electric SUV, bigger than the Elevate. It will rival the upcoming XUV700 electric and Safari electric.Honda Elevate InfotainmentAlso, Honda intends to bring its global models to India again via CKD or CBU route to fortify its portfolio in the country. As of now, Honda only has Amaze sub 4m sedan and City compact sedan on sale in India.The company will manufacture Elevate at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Honda is likely to increase production capacity to incorporate Elevate and upcoming future vehicles. Honda currently has 326 dealerships across 238 cities and all of these dealerships will see an upgrade in customer interface along with Elevate’s launch.Honda’s product positioning with ElevateCompact SUVs are currently one of the highest-selling SUV segments in India with over 36K units sold in April 2023. Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominate this segment while Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has entered top 3. This is a highly competitive segment and Honda is betting big in this space with Elevate. Given that India is one of the fastest-growing markets, there is scope for growth. More

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    2024 Honda Compact Electric SUV Debuts – 412 Km Range, 15 Inch Touchscreen

    New Honda Compact Electric SUVWhile official launch timeline is not available, 2024 Honda e:Ny1 EV is expected to debut in Europe in coming monthsHonda has been rather late in EV segment. However, recent plans show that the Japanese carmaker has stepped up focus to boost its electric portfolio in international markets. But in India, Honda continues to focus on ICE-based and hybrid cars.Honda’s brand-new electric SUV for European market is e:Ny1 compact SUV. It was earlier showcased as e:Ny1 Prototype, which in turn is similar to e:NS1 and e:NP1 twins available in Chinese market. Honda e:Ny1 seems familiar, as the SUV is essentially an electric version of HR-V.New Honda Compact Electric SUV2024 Honda e:Ny1 electric compact SUV detailsAlthough it looks like HR-V, Honda has stated that its new e:Ny1 electric SUV is based on an entirely new e:N Architecture F. It has some unique characteristics, designed to improve drive dynamics. One of the key highlights is a front-drive platform.The e:N Architecture F has three primary USPs – low centre of gravity, a dedicated high rigidity body structure and intelligently designed under-floor aerodynamics. All these features will ensure greater confidence for users while driving the SUV and make journeys a lot more fun and exciting.New Honda Compact Electric SUVThe newly developed chassis for Honda e:Ny1 offers improved torsional rigidity. It has been achieved with the use of high tensile steel, which comprises around 47% of the SUV’s body by weight. Improved torsional rigidity means the vehicle will have better ride quality and the suspension system can work more efficiently. With the new platform and chassis, Honda e:Ny1 is primed to deliver dynamic and refined performance and exceptional comfort.New Honda Compact Electric SUVIn terms of how it differs from HR-V, Honda e:Ny1 Compact Electric SUV has new headlamps, a closed grille and new bumper. The EV also gets a unique set of alloy wheels. Branding elements are also new, as can be seen with the white coloured ‘H’ logo on the charging flap and on the steering wheel. This seems to be a new identity for Honda’s electric cars.Honda follows a similar approach for Type R variants that have the logo in red background. Similarly, Honda hybrid cars have the H logo in blue background. Another unique aspect is new typeface for ‘HONDA’ badging at rear.New Honda Compact Electric SUV2024 Honda e:Ny1 Compact Electric SUV is expected to offer spacious interiors. It will be equipped with a massive 15.1-inch vertically mounted (portrait) touchscreen infotainment system. The screen has a fixed section for AC controls. Honda e:Ny1 also gets a separate instrument console, which seems to be around 10.25 inch in size.Honda e:Ny1 range, specsHonda e:Ny1 electric SUV is equipped with a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The EV has a lightweight three-in-one integrated power drive unit that generates 201 hp of max power and 310 Nm of peak torque. Honda says range of e:Ny1 is 412 km, as per WLTP cycle. With a DC fast charger, Honda e:Ny1 can load up from 10% to 80% in just 45 minutes.New Honda Compact Electric SUVHonda e:Ny1 could be launched in Europe at around £30,000 (approx. INR 30.70 lakh). At this price point, it will compete with rivals such as  Hyundai Kona Electric and Peugeot e-2008. If launched in India, it will rival the likes of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, Kia Seltos EV, Tata Curvv EV, etc. More

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    Honda Unveils 3 New Electric SUVs – Larger Than HRV

    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 likelyNew Honda e:NS2 Electric SUV Concept
    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.
    Honda e:N GT Concept
    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?
    Honda e:N Lineup Showcased At Shanghai Auto Show
    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.
    Honda e:N SUV Concept
    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. More

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    Honda’s First Electric SUV Makes Global Debut Ahead Of Launch

    Honda has deployed an aggressive strategy for electrification, with plans to launch 30 electric cars globally by 2030Honda Prologue Electric SUVAs part of its electrification push, Honda has unveiled its first mainstream fully electric SUV named Prologue. It has been developed in collaboration with General Motors. Prologue utilizes GM’s Ultium platform, which can also be seen with other electric SUVs such as Chevrolet Blazer, Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer.Honda Prologue electric SUV will first go on sale in North America, sometime in 2024. Versatility will be one of the key USPs, with capabilities for everyday commutes as well as weekend getaways. Honda will ensure that performance aspects of Prologue electric SUV is at par with that of its current range of ICE-based SUVs.Honda Prologue Electric SUVHonda Prologue SUeV featuresHonda describes the Prologue SUV as one with ‘neo-rugged styling’. Conceptualiztion of the SUV has been done by Honda’s LA-based design team. The contemporary design and styling of the SUV will be matched by the SUV’s capabilities across on-road and off-road environments. Some key features include a prominent black bar at front, sleek LED headlamps, top-mounted LED DRLs, large faux air dam and vertically-stacked fog lamp housing.Side profile exudes a sense of magnificence with large 21-inch wheels and long wheelbase. As compared to new Honda CR-V, Prologue wheelbase extends an additional 203 mm in length and 127 mm in width. Door panels have a smooth curve and the SUV gets cladding in contrasting black shade. Prologue will have an exclusive North Shore Pearl colour, which derives inspiration from the natural beauty associated with Lake Tahoe in California.Honda Prologue Electric SUVAt rear, Prologue gets ‘Honda’ badging in stylized typeface. It also gets e: series name badging, which will be utilized for all of Honda’s upcoming electric cars. Other key features include linear-styled taillights, wide black bar and metallic finish skid plate.Honda Prologue Electric SUVMeasuring 4876.8 mm in length, 1988.82 mm in width and 1643.38 mm in height, Honda Prologue will have ample room to make passengers feel at home. Interiors will have an exclusive charcoal and light grey theme, inspired by the visual of fresh snow on the mountains. Dashboard looks immaculate and comes with an 11-inch fully digital instrument console and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.Honda Prologue range, specsWhile powertrain details of Honda Prologue have not been revealed, it could be close to that of Chevrolet Blazer EV. Blazer has an estimated range of up to 320 miles (approx. 515 km). It churns out 557 hp of max power and can achieve 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. Honda Prologue is likely to get safety assist features such as autonomous emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert and auto high beams.Honda Prologue Electric SUVBy 2030, Honda has plans to achieve global EV sales volumes of 2 million units. In North America, Honda is aiming to achieve 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040. Over the next 10 years, Honda will be spending 5 trillion yen on electrification and related software technologies. More

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    Honda Prologue Electric SUV Teased – New Look Of Dealer Showroom

    The Honda Prologue electric SUV does not try too hard to look outlandish or futuristic, but it does look goodHonda Prologue Electric SUV TeaserThe rapid shift in the paradigm towards electric vehicles has been giving rise to mergers and joint production developments which were almost unthinkable a few decades ago. One such partnership is between Honda and General Motors which involves electric vehicle platform sharing. The first Japanese derivative of this tie-up has been teased in the form of an official rendering.General Motors’ Ultium modular EV architecture will be underpinning the upcoming Honda Prologue SUV. With North America as its primary target market, the Prologue is an imposing crossover with a bold new front fascia which speaks the “neo-rugged” design language. The front is characterized by narrow LED headlamps and grille, trapezoidal secondary airdam and vertically oriented foglight enclosures.Honda Prologue Electric SUV TeasedThe longish profile is composed of an accentuated waistline, prominent tyres, flared wheel arches, sleek greenhouse, and contrast ORVMs and door handles. The rear is not visible but expect it to be sculpted and sporty.The Honda Prologue’s design process commenced during COVID-19 and its creators mostly worked from home. Developed at the brand’s Los Angeles design studio in collaboration with Honda Japan, the Prologue benefited from Virtual Reality.Honda Prologue Electric SUV TeaserWe expect the Japanese automaker to tease the interiors sometime in the near future. Keeping up with the trend, the electric Honda SUV for North America is likely to be equipped with a simple, uncluttered cockpit with a good amount of colour displays. One can expect the vehicle to come packed with the latest in terms of connectivity, ADAS and safety.PowertrainGM’s Utltium architecture benefits from a floor-mounted modular battery design which allows the engineers to setup a capacity ranging anywhere between 50 kWh to 200 kWh with an autonomy starting from 300 miles (480 kms) depending on the top-hat. As per definition, a modular EV architecture should be capable of FWD, RWD or AWD configurations depending on customer preference, product and target segment.Being an SUV primarily targeting the Americans, Honda is likely to go for an AWD setup with plenty of power and torque to boot. In addition to teasing the new electric SUV, Honda has also revealed the look of their dealer showrooms and service centers of the future.Honda dealer showroom – New lookHonda Prologue Electric SUV LaunchThe Honda Prologue electric SUV is slated to be launched in North America sometime in 2024. While there is no official announcement made yet, industry reports strongly indicate the presence of an Acura derivative of the Ultium platform which is also in the works for a 2024 debut. While Honda declined to comment on possible production locations for its upcoming EV, it is being said that GM’s Mexico plant will produce it.It remains to be seen what other markets will receive the Prologue but given electrification is the talk of the town pretty much everywhere, we expect the crossover to eventually enter markets like Europe and select Asian countries. Honda’s future in India appears to be challenging to say the least, and the Prologue doesn’t appear to make a good business for our country as a CBU or CKD. More

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    2023 Honda Electric SUV Concept Unveiled – For Global Market

    Honda will be launching a pure Hybrid variant of City in India in a few weeks’ timeHonda HRV Based Electric SUV Concept – E:Ny1While some might describe Honda’s presence in the Indian passenger vehicle market as inconspicuous, they have been actively expanding its lineup in several international markets. Honda has especially set its focus on developing new models in the electric mobility space.In this regard, the Japanese auto giant has previewed a concept prototype of its upcoming e:Ny1. The electric SUV has been developed keeping specifically European and North American markets in mind. e:Ny1 appears to be a derivative of the Honda e:Ns1 and e:Np1 electric SUVs that will go on sale in China in the coming future.Design and proportions of the e:Ny1 concept is similar to HRV barring a sealed front face which is typical of an EV. A sloping roofline and a heavily raked C pillar with a fastback-style tailgate give it a contemporary crossover look. At rear, it features similar wraparound LED headlamps on both sides connected to each other by a thin stripe of LED across the width of the tailgate.2023 Honda Electric SUV – Platform DetailsIt is the third electric vehicle (EV) in the e:N series of SUVs with the first two revealed in China. All three electric SUVs seem to be based on the new-gen HRV which is co-incidentally set for its global debut on 4 April 2022. Honda has revealed that the e:Ny1 electric SUV will be underpinned by a brand new e:N Architecture F platform that has been specifically developed for the upcoming model.Honda HRV Based Electric SUV Concept – E:Ny1Although, for economies of sales, this architecture is expected to be utilized in more future EVs. Earlier, the company has revealed that it will be developing a new platform that will exclusively cater to the EV segment. This architecture is essentially a stretched version of the platform underpinning Honda E which is the brand’s first fully electric car.The next product to be developed on this platform is likely to be a hybrid mid-size SUV which could be of a similar size as CR-V. Apart from electric SUVs under the e: series, Honda has also showcased pre-production prototypes of e:N Coupé, e:N SUV and e:N GT which are expected to go into production in the next five years.Honda’s Electrification Plan in IndiaNot much is known about the e:Ny1 electric SUV yet. In India, Honda’s first major step towards electrification will be the launch of City Hybrid which is slated to take place in the next few weeks.It is likely to be priced well over the standard City, at an expected price range of Rs 18-20 lakh (ex-showroom). Post launch, it will become the second locally assembled vehicle in India to run on a true hybrid powertrain after Toyota Camry. More