2023 Honda e:Ny1 is in Europe

The fully electric Honda e:Ny1 is a dynamic, stylish, and highly practical B-segment SUV aimed at younger buyers. It is the brand's second fully electric vehicle (EV) for Europe. The model is available in two trim levels:

• Honda e:Ny1 Elegance - specifications
• Honda e:Ny1 Advance - specifications

The e:Ny1 uses Honda’s newly-developed e:N Architecture F high-performance front-motor-driven platform, which will be used in B-segment electric vehicles globally. For application on the F platform, the cleverly packaged three-in-one motor, which houses the power drive unit, electric motor and transmission, has a combined weight of just 77.4kg (with oil) over the front axle. The high performance 150 kW motor boasts exceptional 92% efficiency, delivering up to 310 Nm of torque (2,788 Nm at the wheels), propelling the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and to a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Advanced thermal management is achieved through a water-cooled circuit, which ensures consistent power delivery without overheating.

This dynamic set up underpins a lightweight yet rigid body frame that is constructed from a blend of high-tensile steels with 47% (by weight) of the model’s body made of these materials. Their strategic application around the vehicle has resulted in high torsional rigidity and low mass, with the e:Ny1 over 100kg lighter than some European rivals.

When compared to the HR-V, the e:Ny1 features additional high-tensile bracing to the floor and roof sections, as well as around the front wheel wells, providing a more solid base from which to build a dynamic electric vehicle.

The compact 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the floor of the e:Ny1, provides a range of up to 412 km (WLTP), with its fast-charging capability allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 45 minutes using a DC rapid charger and CCS connector. This method also allows 100km of range to be added in just 11 minutes. When using a standard domestic AC charger, 10-80% of total charging capacity can be achieved in six hours.

With integrated water-cooling, the high-density battery consists of 195Ah cells, located in the centre of the e:Ny1 underfloor. This layout contributes to a low centre of gravity and concentrated mass for improved road holding, as well as to overall aerodynamic performance without the need for additional external parts.

While battery capacity is similar to class leaders, Honda’s latest EV stands out from its competitors for its higher rate of charging consistency as, while some competitors offer a greater maximum rate of charge, this level is rarely achieved due to fluctuations in charging rates at different stages of the battery charging cycle.

The e:Ny1 has a specifically developed recharging system that permits a sustained higher charge rate over its rivals. Whilst some manufacturers have prioritised headline rapid charge figures, the e:Ny1 is able to maintain a higher average rate for more of the charging process. The linear, higher charge rate is maintained for well over half of the charge, with very little drop off towards full capacity.

To set it apart as a battery electric vehicle, the e:Ny1 has a sophisticated character defined by a smooth, flowing design concept. The sleek, expressive headlights are neatly integrated into the bold face, which incorporates a clever rotating grille panel that provides access to the car’s charging port behind. Integrated taillights are connected by a full width LED light bar across the tailgate, while the range of standout paint options includes an eye-catching new Aqua Topaz colour.

To further reflect its unique standing in the Honda range, the model debuts a new EV identity. The white ‘H’ badge on the front becomes a new symbol of Honda electrification, along with a smart new typeface for the brand name at the rear. Sleek, expressive headlights and a smooth, noiseless front grille give the e:Ny1 a bold face and set the scene for the flowing design theme across the entire car.

A fine horizontal LED strip beneath the bonnet line connects the headlights and creates a unique lighting signature when charging. The sporty front spoiler lip appears to float beneath the lower grille section, which closes to hide the radiator when the e:Ny1 is parked. The lower grille is finished in a smart gloss black for a sleeker finish. The charging port is located behind a panel in the front grille that rotates inwards to allow access, with its central position enabling easy charging from either side of the car.

In profile, the e:Ny1 shares a similar silhouette to the HR-V; with a similar coupe-like roofline, tightly defined belt and character lines, and smooth, noiseless surfaces. The clean and uncluttered design approach incorporates hidden rear and seamless front door handles for a cohesive, flowing design from front to back. The rear turn signal, braking and reverse lights are all integrated into a single combination unit, alongside a full width light bar that accentuates the e:Ny1’s width and gives it a sure-footed appearance.

Sitting on a bespoke platform, the e:Ny1 is similar in size to the HR-V; 1,584 mm tall, 1,790 mm wide and 4,387 mm long, with a 2,607mm wheelbase. Smart new 18-inch alloy wheels feature as standard across the range, contributing to the sure-footed stature of the car. At launch, customers have five colours to choose from, including an all-new Aqua Topaz option alongside Platinum White, Crystal Black, Urban Grey, and Vermilion Red finishes.

Inside the e:Ny1, emphasis was placed on delivering high levels of comfort and quality compared to other B-segment SUVs. Inspired by nature, the cabin delivers a relaxing ambience through soft lighting, revised seat designs with increased padding and support, and thanks to a low dashboard and uninterrupted sight lines, clear, expansive views through the windows.

To enhance the in-car experience for both the driver and passengers, visibility and functionality were top development priorities, as typified by the new centre console design and its simple layout of the Drive, Park and Neutral gear selector buttons. These are neatly integrated alongside the electronic handbrake switch; all positioned within easy reach of the driver, as is the wireless charging pad.

Dominating the dashboard is a large 15.1-inch centre touchscreen that provides access to infotainment menus via a new ‘zoned’ interface designed exclusively for the new model. Along with the 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, the screen epitomises the vehicle’s clean and uncluttered interior design approach.

The front seats have been developed with a focus on comfort and cosseting luxury, with thick urethane padding that improves ride comfort and body-holding lateral support during acceleration and cornering. Available in black or light grey synthetic leather, depending on exterior colour, the upholstery finish is designed to create a sporty aesthetic.

Advance grade models feature smart stitching in a unique pattern, while Elegance grade seats are available in black only, complementing the light grey roof colour available on this model.

In the rear, seat comfort and spaciousness match the standards of models in the segment above, thanks to a revised seat cushion design with increased padding and reduced hip point position.

Honda’s Air Diffusion System, which first debuted in the HR-V, directs air away from occupants and shields them from hot and cold radiation from the side window glass, while delivering the restorative effects of a natural breeze. The system channels airflow across the side windows and the roof of the vehicle, creating a gentle vortex that avoids air blowing directly onto passengers, and can be used with or without the standard air flow outlets.

On Advance grade models, a panoramic roof allows light to flood in and creates an enhanced sense of airiness and spaciousness, similar to when driving a convertible, with a front sunshade and detachable two-piece rear sunshade that allow total control over the amount of overhead light allowed into the cabin. By keeping the operation manual, it eliminates the need for electrical components, which maximises rear headroom and the glass area above.

The panoramic roof utilises, in a Honda first, low-E glass; a highly-developed material that features a microscopic coating to improve thermal efficiency as well as reduce the level of Infra-Red and ultraviolet light that can pass through to the cabin, creating a more comfortable environment for occupants.

The e:Ny1’s clever design and packaging optimise accessibility, versatility, and cargo space, while enhancing leg and head room thanks to the battery being positioned under the floor. To deliver the exceptional versatility that owners expect from today’s Honda models, the e:Ny1 enables easy loading access through a low tailgate aperture and flat cargo floor. With the rear seats up, the e:Ny1 has a maximum boot capacity of 361 litres; which increases to 801 litres to the window line when the rear seats are folded down, and up to 1,176 litres when loaded to the roof.

The e:Ny1 is the latest vehicle to feature the Honda SENSING suite of safety technologies as standard to offer impressive all-round collision performance and reduce driver burden through a range of advanced driver-assist systems.

The e:Ny1 becomes the latest model to feature the Honda SENSING suite of active safety technologies as standard, employing the brand’s latest camera and sonar technology.

The front camera system features a wide-angle camera with an effective horizontal viewing angle of 100 degrees, which combines with a high-speed image processing chip to enhance the detection accuracy of objects for the Collision Mitigation Braking System and other active safety systems. Another camera is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, and one on each door mirror, resulting in 360-degree coverage for Advance grades.

Supporting the camera-based system are twelve sonar sensors located around the car – four on each of the front and rear bumpers, and two on either side – which can detect objects such as buildings and other vehicles with a high level of accuracy. The camera and sonar systems work in unison to improve overall safety, allowing the e:Ny1 to accurately identify road markings and verges with no lines, as well as motorcycles, cyclists and other vehicles.

A combination of soft and rigid structural components, including high tensile strength steel, form part of a strong body that provides exceptional front, rear and side collision protection by dissipating energy away from the cabin in the unfortunate event of an accident. This crash safety protection strategy also maximises safety for high-voltage electrical components, which are automatically shut down in the event of a collision.

Honda SENSING is among the industry’s most comprehensive safety technology packages. It uses a combination of data from the various camera, radar and sonar sensors to warn and assist the driver in potentially dangerous scenarios.

Honda’s Road Departure Mitigation System alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. Using the Lane Keeping Assist System, the vehicle can automatically apply mild steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining proper lane position and/or apply the brakes to slow the e:Ny1’s departure from a detected lane.

The vehicle is also equipped with the latest Traffic Jam Assist technology. This reduces the driver’s workload in low-speed traffic by helping to keep the vehicle in its lane, starting from 0 km/h. When congestion clears, the car seamlessly switches to the Lane Keeping Assist System from 60 km/h, a lower speed than conventional systems.

In addition, the Traffic Sign Recognition System recognises road signs and displays them on the instrument binnacle. The system also provides a pre-notification of signs to help the driver prepare for junctions or upcoming changes in the speed limit, while also working with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), using one-touch speed adjustment, to match the prevailing speed limit.

The Driver Attention Monitor alerts drivers when it detects that their attention to the road is diminished. The system uses an angle sensor to measure the degree of steering-wheel corrections by the driver in maintaining a proper lane position. If it senses unusual and constant correction activity, the system will notify the driver to take a break.

The Honda e:Ny1 starts from £44,995 in the UK.