Honda announces small electric crossover for 2023 launch in Europe

The cutesy Honda E electric city car won’t remain the only pure EV in the company’s European portfolio for much longer, according to a statement made by Jean-Marc Streng. Honda’s UK boss told Auto Express a new zero-emissions model will arrive on the Old Continent in 2023. He didn’t go into any details about its identity, only saying it would allow the automaker to diversify its electric offerings.

Jean-Marc Streng went on to mention “it’s going to be an offer in the right segment, which will achieve more sales.” That’s honestly not a lot to go by, although Auto Express understands it will probably take the shape of a small crossover to complement the Honda E. If that’s correct, expect the new EV to be molded after the Honda SUV e:concept, which originally appeared at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show.

In terms of size, the British magazine estimates it will be positioned between the Jazz Crosstar supermini and the recently introduced third-generation HR-V. It would make sense for the engineers to use the same platform developed for the Honda E pint-sized electric hatchback from which the small crossover is expected to largely inherit the interior cabin.

It goes without saying the upcoming EV will be larger, which should translate into a bigger battery compared to the 35.5-kWh pack used by the Honda E. It should have enough juice for a maximum range of more than 200 miles based on the WLTP cycle, which frankly seems a bit low for 2023 standards, but the E hasn’t exactly been praised for its range either.

It’s worth noting Honda’s European lineup will be entirely electrified by 2022, meaning the company will only sell hybrids and pure electric cars by the end of next year. The firm has already announced its EV ambitions, with the ultimate goal to abandon combustion engines by 2040 when it aims to sell only battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Source: Auto Express