TOKYO: Honda Motor Co unveiled the second model of its new China-only electric vehicle (EV) lineup today, targeting the fast-growing, battery-driven car segment in the world's largest auto market.
The Japanese automaker said last year it planned to roll out EV models under a new brand called "e:N Series" over the next five years with partners GAC and Dongfeng Motor.
It unveiled the e:N2 Concept today after it started selling the e:NS1 and e:NP1 electric SUVs in April.
"Honda is transforming itself into an electric brand in China with a series of unique and diverse electric mobility products that only Honda can offer," said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe in a statement.
The exterior design of the e:N2 Concept features sharp and dynamic body lines and surface finishing which highlights the metallic look, aiming to present new styling that does not belong to any existing categories.
The interior was designed with an aim to realise the value of this EV as a “space” where occupants can enjoy “intellectual exhilaration.”
To this end, a clean and uncluttered digital cockpit was adopted, and smart hospitality for the occupants would be offered with the latest Honda CONNECT features as well as the effective presentation of lighting and scents.
The e:N2 Concept is built on the e:N Architecture F, a dedicated architecture developed exclusively for the e:N Series.
Honda said the e:N2 Concept was designed to achieve unique driving pleasure, enabling the driver to enjoy a strong “sense of unity with the vehicle.” This was to be achieved through the dynamics technologies of Honda, including outstanding vehicle stability and crisp handling.
A key challenge facing Honda and its major Japanese peers, Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co, is catching up to rivals such as Tesla Inc who have forged ahead in the EV sector.
Honda laid out a target to roll out 30 EV models globally and produce some 2 million EVs a year by 2030 earlier this year.
Last year, it said it would introduce only electrified vehicle models in China after 2030, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel-cell or petrol-electric automobiles.
Its two joint ventures, GAC-Honda and Dongfeng-Honda, plan to build new EV-only assembly plants that are expected to begin production in 2024.
