Honda has teased two prototype electric vehicles (EVs) from its China-centric e:N Series ahead of their reveal at this year’s Shanghai motor show, which runs from April 18 to 27.
The Japanese carmaker first launched the e:N sub-brand and revealed five concept cars at an event in China in late 2021, and revealed the sharp-edged e:N2 EV concept last November.
Honda has shown off one shadowy teaser image of two e:N Series prototypes that appear to be larger stablemates to the Chinese e:NS1 and e:NP1 electric SUVs.
Both of these small electric crossovers, which closely resemble the HR-V, are produced for China by Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda, respectively.
These two new e:N Series SUV prototypes will be shown alongside hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models the carmaker offers. Three electric bicycle models will also be displayed too.
Honda said in late 2021 it aims to have a total of 10 e:N Series EV models on sale in China before 2027. They’ll be sold through dedicated sections of the brand’s 1200 dealerships across the country, as well as in dedicated e:N dealerships in major cities.
The Japanese carmaker also said it “envisions” exporting some of these e:N Series EVs from China, although it has yet to declare which models will need to get their passports ready.
Honda has said it won’t introduce any new combustion-powered vehicles to China after 2030, while globally the company says it will only sell pure electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles from 2040 onwards.
It’s tackling this goal from a few angles.
For North America, it’s partnering with General Motors to introduce a pair of electric SUVs – one called the Honda Prologue, the other the Acura ZDX – that use GM’s Ultium underpinnings and will be built at GM facilities.
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e:N2 concept
Beyond the Prologue and the ZDX, Honda will launch a “new series of affordable EVs co-developed with GM” starting in 2027.
Honda has also established a joint venture with Sony to build an electric vehicle in the US from 2025.
The first cars from Sony Honda Mobility will reach US driveways in 2026, and the EV will also be exported to Japan.
MORE: Honda unveils three EV concept cars, new e:N sub-brand
MORE: Honda reveals electric e:N2 concept
