Honda might have delighted the European market with details of its cute and compact electric Honda E, but that’s no use to American drivers the Honda E isn’t destined for US soil and even if it was, its top range of 125 miles is pretty useless for such a vast country. But the company is reportedly working on something new and exclusive for the States: a modular EV platform that puts affordability, performance and crucially a long cruising range at the top of the agenda.
According to Automotive News, the as-yet unnamed platform was announced at a briefing in Japan last week, and Honda hopes to have it ready by 2025, in line with its other global EV targets. Unlike the E, the US-bound design comprises a modular platform that can accommodate a wide range of body shapes and sizes as well as different batteries and motors.
“This new architecture is designed to achieve smooth driving and highly efficient packaging. We believe it will meet the needs of customers who like our C-segment and D-segment models,” said Ayumu Matsuo, operating officer for Honda R&D America.
Tetsuya Hasebe, the chief engineer for Honda’s EV program, added that “It has a different aim from the Honda E. This one aims for intercity, long-distance travel.”
The announcement firmly positions Honda in the global EV race. With a range of vehicles in all markets and, critically, affordability at the forefront Honda is well placed to take on rivals both at home and abroad. Indeed, the company hopes this new modular platform will eventually account for 15 percent of its global market share by 2030 and that’s not taking into account its existing hybrids and EVS and of course, the much-hyped E.
