The HR-V has a pretty solid fanbase in the PH. Last week, though, a rebadged version named the e:Ny1 surfaced in Germany and given the “e” in its nomenclature, you guessed right if you assumed it’s an electric vehicle. Now that we see it’s doable given the HR-V currently offered in the PH, is it possible that this is something we’ll get?
Honda e:NY1, a fully electric HR-V clone
Photo: Honda
There’s no denying it, this is an HR-V. Setting the e:Ny1 apart as an electric vehicle, though, is the solid grill-bumper face, but everything else screams the B-segment 5-seater crossover we know here.
Photo: Honda
Even the interior belongs to the HR-V, save for a few differences that make the e:Ny1 unique. For starters, there’s no shifter lever and in its place are buttons similar to those on the CR-V. The infotainment screen is different as well, now bigger and taller, with climate control being incorporated into it. Everything else, well, it’s the same.
Photo: Honda
The e:Ny1 is built on the newly-developed e:N Architecture F of Honda which is a front-motor-driven platform focused on three fundamental attributes: a dedicated high rigidity body structure, a low center of gravity, and carefully managed under-floor aerodynamics to ensure that the vehicle “delivers a fun and confidence-inspiring drive”.
The all-new chassis developed specifically for Honda’s battery electric vehicles boasts of improved torsional rigidity. The key to this is high-tensile steel which Honda used across 47% of the e:Ny1’s body. Alongside the new platform and powertrain, these combine to offer the dynamic performance, exceptional comfort, and refinement drivers will expect from Honda’s latest EV.
Photo: Honda
Powertrain being mentioned, the platform incorporates a high-performance, lightweight three-in-one integrated power drive unit, electric motor, and gearbox. The maximum output is rated at about 204 HP with 310 Nm of torque and is engineered to provide smooth and comfortable acceleration and deceleration. A high-capacity lithium-ion battery is housed underneath the flooring and puts out up to 412 km (WLTP) of range. Even more impressive is its DC fast-charging capability that can charge the battery from 10 to 80% in only 45 minutes.
Photo: Honda
“The e:Ny1 is the logical next step on our electrification journey in Europe. Our development philosophy blends intelligent, customer-centric technology with beautiful design and fun-to-drive dynamics. This latest SUV exemplifies Honda’s commitment to electrification and is the latest step on Honda’s electrification journey,” said Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President at Honda Motor Europe Ltd.
Every single car brand and manufacturer out there has taken steps towards electrification. Regardless of whether they are fully electric or hybrid, we are already seeing the future of mobility and yes, it is battery-powered. Should Honda decide to make the e:Ny1 a “global” model, and should it reach PH shores, we’re pretty sure it has a bright future ahead of it.
But again, it all boils down to pricing and its subsequent maintenance costs. We do hope EVs and hybrids like this roll out sooner than later, but when they do, we hope Honda and all the other brands already have these factors worked out for the masses. And their wallets.
