Honda shows e:N2 concept electric car

Japanese automaker Honda has unveiled the e:N2 Concept car at the Shanghai auto show, a compact, sleek sedan and the second throw of its e:N series models that hint at upcoming electric cars from the brand.

The e-car study is based on the manufacturer's e:N Architecture F, a dedicated e-architecture developed specifically for the e:N series. The e:N2 Concept has been developed to achieve a unique driving experience that is designed to give the driver a "strong sense of oneness with the vehicle", Honda said. The e:N2 Concept offers excellent vehicle stability and crisp handling thanks to several special technologies from Honda. In the production model of the e:N model introduced the year before, the drive system consists of a 69 kWh battery for a good 500-kilometre range and up to 150 kW engine power.

Externally, the e:N2 Concept features sharp edges and dynamic body lines as well as a surface finish with a metallic look. The hard and dead straight lines of the front and rear lights also catch the eye. Honda says it wants to present a new styling that does not fit into the existing categories. The prototype's interior has been designed to convey the value of the electric car as a "space" where occupants can enjoy "intellectual entertainment", the manufacturer said in a recent statement. To this end, Honda has designed a clean and uncluttered digital cockpit. According to the PR text, the "intelligent hospitality" for the occupants also includes the latest Honda Connect functions and an innovative presentation of lighting and scents.

"The e:N2 concept represents the value of our e:N series, which will 'redefine the fun electric cars can offer customers with its unique driving experience, value as a mobility space and design," says Toshihiro Mibe, director, president and deputy chief executive of Honda Motor. The Honda boss says the brand certainly wants to continue to focus on China and offer a wide range of electrified and "unique" mobility solutions there. The production version of the e:N2 Concept is expected in 2023.

At the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2021, Honda unveiled the e:prototype study, from which the two production models e:NS1 and e:NP1 have grown. The two compact electric SUV models went on sale in China in summer of 2022 and are available there for the equivalent of a good 26,000 euros. Honda also plans to introduce more electric cars in the USA soon. Plans for Europe are unfortunately less ambitious so far.