Honda HR-V EV (VE-1) – Hyundai Kona Rival with 400km Range
Japanese automaker, Honda and Guangqi jointly launched the first all-electric SUV, which is based on the Everus EV Concept displayed at the 2018 Guangzhou Motor Show. The company had displayed the VE-1 Sport EV at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show. The new Honda VE-1 Electric SUV is available in 3 variants – 1,59,800 (Rs 16 lakh), 1,69,800 (Rs 17.01 lakh) and 1,79,800 (Rs 18.01 lakh) Yuan respectively.
In the Chinese market, the Honda VE-1 is available with 3 years or 1 lakh km standard warranty. The Honda HR-V electric also shares the styling cues from the Everus EV concept. The VE-1 directly rivals the Mitsubishi EV, Kia KX3 Electric, Hyundai Kona EV and the GAC ix4. The SUV comes fitted with an electric motor that is capable of producing 120 kW (161bhp) and offers a driving range of 401 kilometers on a single charge in the NEDC cycle.
The Guangqi Honda VE-1 is fitted with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that offers a peak torque of 280Nm. This powertrain is paired to a fixed gear ration single-speed transmission. The front of the 5-seater gets a multi-angle battery pack anti-collision structure. Inside the cabin, the Honda VE-1 gets a centrally-mounted 8-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and others.
The SUV also has map function, which searches for nearby charging stations quickly. It also comes with a button-type shifting mechanism and a large panoramic sunroof. In terms of proportions, the Honda VE-1 is 4,308mm in length, 1,824mm in width and 1,625mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,610mm.
