The 2019 Geneva
International Motor Show

One of the most important events in the annual motoring calendar, the Geneva International Motor Show is now in its 89th year.

honda urban ev prototype front

Wired.com on the journey from concept to prototype...

Check out the Honda e Prototype Reveal and Other Highlights From Geneva

Twitter is buzzing with news of the new Honda e Prototype

Check out some of the highlights...

05/03/2019: Honda Take the Stand at Geneva

Honda took the stand at Geneva this morning to announce the acceleration of their electrification ambitions. In a statement they have committed to an intention to move 100% of European sales to electrified powertrains by 2025. Originally planned to be two-thirds electric back in 2017, this new pledge firmly places Europe at the forefront of Honda’s global electric shift as part of its 2030 vision.

“Since we made that first pledge in March 2017, the shift towards electrification has gathered pace considerably. Environmental challenges continue to drive demand for cleaner mobility. Technology marches on unrelenting and people are starting to shift their view of the car itself.”
Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe

The Honda e Prototype is Officially Unveiled!

The wait is finally over! After a dramatic light show and countdown, the cover is finally removed and the car takes a twirl, officially revealing the Honda e Prototype to the world!

The Honda e Prototype serves as further proof of Honda’s electrification ambition. The new car previews Honda’s first production battery electric vehicle for the European market with a competitive range of 200km (124 miles) and a fast charge facility providing 80% range in just 30 minutes. It features trademark driving dynamics with a sporty rear wheel drive configuration and a fully integrated digital infotainment and vehicle management system.

The prototype, described as being 95% complete by its designers and engineers, features clean external lines that are facilitated by a Camera Mirror System and flush pop-out door handles. It's smooth body contours lead from the bonnet to the panoramic windscreen and step-less A-pillars sit virtually flush with the glass.

The first compact Honda car on a dedicated EV platform delivers a blend of efficiency, performance and usability that is perfect for urban environments.

The production version of the Honda e Prototype will be revealed later this year. Customers can register for updates on the Honda website now, and will be able to place a reservation for the car in selected European markets in the early summer.

All-New Variants of Popular Production Cars

The all-new CR-V featuring advanced hybrid powertrain technology is on display. This is the first Honda SUV available as a hybrid in Europe, and features improved comfort, convenience and connectivity, as well as additional space and versatility.

The Honda Hybrid Performance system features intelligent Multi-Mode Drive technology (i-MMD) comprising two electric motors, an Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and an innovative fixed-gear transmission. Three intelligent driving modes deliver high levels of real-world refinement, responsiveness and efficiency.

Honda also display’s the new HR-V Sport variant for the first time at a major international show. The new grade introduces the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine to the HR-V range, along with new advanced ‘Performance Damper’ technology, bespoke exterior styling and interior upgrades.

Other Honda models on show include the new seven-seater CR-V, the Honda Civic 1.0T Sportline and the Honda Jazz.

Honda to Develop Energy Management Business for Europe

Honda intends to build a portfolio of energy management products and services offering a comprehensive solution for both EV customers and service operators in Europe.

Honda has been working with EVTEC to further develop its bi-directional Honda Power Manager technology (compatible with battery-electric vehicles, such as the Honda e Prototype) and will plan to offer a commercial version in the coming years.

Honda has also announced an agreement with two external partners:

Moixa: a company who specialise in ‘resource aggregator‘ technology, allowing customers to benefit from sharing the control and capacity of their EV battery

Ubitricity: a leading supplier of charging solutions, including an innovative approach to on-street charging in urban areas

The next step is to embark upon feasibility studies for its technologies in London, UK and Offenbach, Germany. Further developments are expected to be announced later this year.

At the Pinnacle of Modern Motorsport

For the first time in the hybrid-power era, Honda is partnering with two teams in the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship. The brand’s show stand in Geneva proudly displays the Honda-powered racers from the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso teams. The Formula One season starts in Melbourne on 17th March.

The latest example of the Civic Type R TCR, which has taken seven major titles and 41 race wins globally since its race debut last January, is displayed alongside the production Civic Type R.  Four cars will take on TCR’s premier series; the WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup, with customer teams in 2019. Esteban Guerrieri and Nestor Girolami represent ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport while fellow Honda Racing drivers Tiago Monteiro and Attila Tassi compete for the KCMG team.

The ground-breaking 2019 Honda NSX is also on display at the show.

01/03/2019: Exclusive Video Preview

In a secret location in Stuttgart, Johnny from Fully Charged gets exclusive access to the Honda e Prototype with its Japanese designers...

27/02/2019: Introducing the Honda e Prototype

Honda’s new urban electric vehicle will be previewed at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show in the form of the Honda e Prototype. This new model leads on from the brand’s highly acclaimed 2017 Urban EV Concept, and is a key part of Honda’s “Electric Vision” strategy for the European region.

Combining its unique design, advanced functionality and engaging driving dynamics, the vehicle delivers a package perfect for the urban environment.

The Honda e Prototype has been developed with a focus on functionality & purpose featuring a simplicity of design with unique character.

Stand-out style elements include flush ‘pop out’ door handles and compact cameras replacing traditional side view mirrors, an integrated advanced charging port centrally in the bonnet for ease of use from either side of the car and LED lighting visible through the glass cover to welcome the driver and inform of the battery charging status.

Inside, a spacious cabin with a modern minimalist aesthetic creates a relaxed ambience for occupants. A comfortable lounge-like feel is achieved with the application of melange-style sofa fabric and other tactile materials often found in contemporary homes

The array of next-generation digital aids is presented alongside many of the car’s comfort and infotainment controls for easy multi-tasking and simple menu navigation. Screens showing the rear-view images relayed from the Camera Mirror System are integrated at either end of the dashboard ergonomically positioned to ensure a natural feel and vision for the driver. The vehicle also features a digital rear view camera increasing the driver’s field of vision.

The Honda e Prototype will deliver a range of over 200km and a ‘fast charge’ functionality of 80% battery charge in 30 minutes, making it ideal for everyday commuting.

The Honda e Prototype will be unveiled on 5th March at the Geneva International Motor Show. Production of Honda’s compact urban electric vehicle will begin later this year.

honda e electric vehicle prototype white front side
honda e electric vehicle prototype white rear side
honda e electric vehicle prototype interior dashboard steering wheel
honda e electric vehicle prototype white front side large
honda e electric vehicle prototype white back side large
honda e electric vehicle prototype interior dashboard steering wheel large

26/02/2019: Creating the Buzz

Alongside Frankfurt, the Geneva International Motor Show is one of the two largest motor shows in Europe, and is one of the priority shows for manufacturers looking to unveil new prototypes and concepts. This year is no exception with big unveilings set to come from some of the top automotive manufacturers.

It is also set to be a huge occasion for Honda as the Honda e Prototype is due to be unveiled at Geneva this March.

Ever since the concept was unveiled back in Frankfurt in 2017 the Urban EV Concept has gained a lot of press attention and has picked up numerous awards including the coveted What Car? Car of the Year Readers Poll Award.

As the anticipation reaches fever point, Honda has unveiled its first exclusive glimpse of the new compact electric vehicle’s sleek interior dashboard. Designed to create a warm and engaging atmosphere inspired by the concept, the full width dashboard combines a clean and simple design with user focused technology.

Given all the media attention, the full reveal on the 5th March is set to be a huge event!

If you would like to know more about the Honda electric vehicle prototype and get up to the minute news on the unveiling, you can register your interest here.

honda urban ev prototype dashboard
honda urban ev dashbord display
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