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Honda Everus VE-1 Launched In China, Based On the HR-V

Even though Honda is lacking in the EV department, the Japanese automaker is currently developing the Urban EV for the busy streets of Europe. Over in China, the Everus EV-1 prepares to enter production in December 2018 thanks to the help of joint-venture partner Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd.
Honda Everus VE-1 6 photos
Photo: Honda
Honda Everus VE-1Honda Everus VE-1Honda Everus VE-1Honda Everus VE-1Honda Everus VE-1
Based on the HR-V subcompact crossover, the Everus VE-1 promises 340 kilometers (211 miles) per charge from the 53.6-kWh lithium-ion battery on the New European Driving Cycle. An electric motor drives the front axle with 120 kW (163 PS; 161 horsepower) and 280 Nm (207 pound-feet) of torque. At 4,308 millimeters long and thanks to a wheelbase of 2,610 millimeters, this fellow appears to be an interesting alternative to the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Inspired by a concept presented in April 2018, the Everus VE-1 has three driving modes: N for normal, S for sport, and B for battery saver. The electric car sharing business of Rui Chida is the first to announce it will field the Honda on Chinese roads, which is a great start for an electric vehicle that hasn’t yet proven itself with retail consumers.

Pricing is expected to start at 170,800 yuan, translating to approximately $24,600 at the current exchange rate. It should be mentioned this figure includes the government grant for electric vehicles, but even so, the Everus VE-1 is 42,000 yuan (approximately $6,000) more expensive than the HR-V.

Although inexperienced in EVs, Honda partnered up with the largest battery manufacturer in China – CATL or Contemporary Amperex Technology – for an electric vehicle program with global ambitions. The announcement was made in May 2018, when Honda also confirmed the Fit EV would come back with “at least 300 kilometers (186 miles)” of range.

The plan for Honda is to ramp up hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV sales to 65 percent of the automaker’s total sales by 2030, which is ambitious to say the least. The Insight is a step in the right direction, though, offering the same level of space as the Civic Sedan, 52 miles on the combined cycle, and an affordable starting price of $22,830.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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