Currently reading: New Honda SUV e:prototype previews new Chinese crossover

Honda's first EV for the Chinese market and could preview a future electric HR-V

Honda has unveiled the SUV e:prototype, which showcases its first Chinese-market EV and could preview a future electric HR-V.

The new machine is due to go on sale in China next year and will be the first of 10 EVs that the Japanese firm will launch in the country within the next five years.

While few technical details of the model have been made available, it appears to be closely based on the new Mk3 HR-V crossover, which is due to go on sale in the UK later this year as a hybrid-only model. The SUV e:prototype has a revamped front grille to reflect the lack of engine radiator needed for the electric motors.

Honda currently offers the E city car as its only electric model in the UK. It has yet to reveal future plans, although an HR-V-size electric SUV would meet the growing demand for such models.

Honda says that the SUV e:prototype will offer “dynamic, yet smooth acceleration” that will enable to driver to “feel the joy of driving”.

It also features the latest version of Honda’s Connect infotainment system, which will enable over-the-air software updates and offers voice recognition technology.

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Pietka Chavellini 20 April 2021

Once again, it's a lower case e. Great journalism.