Source: Honda
Japanese automotive giant Honda is making a big push into the Chinese EV market, announcing plans to introduce 10 Honda-brand EV models into China within five years, starting with an electric SUV.
The Honda SUV e:prototype was exhibited on Monday at the Shanghai autoshow, and is scheduled to go on sale in the northern spring in 2022.
Honda didn’t release much in the way of actual specifics for the e:prototype, satisfied mainly with focusing on its design and market intent, as well as the company’s comprehensive lineup of electrified vehicles it has on show at the Honda automobile booth at Shanghai.
Amongst these is also the world premiere of Honda’s Breeze PHEV, the first plug-in hybrid model for Guangqi Honda Automobile, the company’s Chinese joint venture manufacturing arm.
Based on Honda’s original 2-motor hybrid system, the new Breeze PHEV is set to go on sale in China in the second half of this year and offer an “EV-like feel” and “a a torqueful drive in virtually all areas of everyday driving”.
Amidst Honda’s announcements was the feature of its third-generation Honda Connect on display in the Honda SUV e:prototype.
Based on an AI personal assistant equipped with sophisticated voice recognition capabilities, the third generation of Honda Connect offers functions such as enabling the operation of smart home appliances and online shopping while driving, operation of the vehicle through a smartphone link, as well as the latest navigation and entertainment functions.
This new third-generation version of Honda Connect will become available starting with new Honda models launching in China in the second half of 2021.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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