Honda unveils e:NS1 and e:NP1 electric crossovers in China

Honda organized a virtual press conference today to signal its busy electric agenda in China for the coming years. No fewer than 10 EVs will be introduced in the People’s Republic in the next five years, and all of them will be part of the e:N Series of models. Leading the way will be these two, the e:NS1 and e:NP1, developed by the company’s local joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC, respectively.

Essentially, these are electric versions of the latest-generation HR-V, which is sold in the world’s most populous country by the two joint ventures as the XR-V and Vezel. The e:NS1 and e:NP1 are both set to go on sale in China next spring with a moniker that stems from “e” as in “e:Technology” and the “N” representing “New/Next.” These are certainly not the most exciting names for a production model, but the two EVs look smart.

Around 1,200 Honda dealerships across China will be upgraded to include a dedicated area for the e:N Series of EVs, plus dedicated dealers in the most important cities around the country. Not only that, but Honda says it will organize various events in China dedicated exclusively to its new wave of electric vehicles.

Interestingly, even though the e:N Series will be developed and manufactured in China, Honda is planning to globally export these models all over the world later this decade. To support its extended family of EVs, the Japanese automaker aims to bolster its relationship with battery suppliers as well as accelerate its partnership with CATL, a global leader in lithium-ion battery development.

As far as the two electric crossovers are concerned, they’re powered by a single motor producing 201 hp (150 kW) and sourcing its juice from a 68.8-kWh battery. The e:NS1 and e:NP1 ride on large 18-inch wheels and feature a closed-off grille since there’s no need to cool down a combustion engine anymore. The EVs top out at 150 km/h (93 mph) and are quite heavy, tipping the scales at 2,108 kg (4,647 lbs).

Source: Honda