TECH INSIDER | HONDA E
use expensive materials like carbon fiber to
compensate for the weight disadvantage and
develop a sophisticated and special production
technology just because it’s an electric vehicle.
We wanted to avoid pushing that extra cost to
the customer, for a car which we believe will
be as normal as conventional cars today.”
There is scope to use those foundations
elsewhere, he adds: “The design and layout
allows quite some degree of freedom. It’s
a very flexible platform which is capable of
a relatively long wheelbase and wide track to
maximize cabin space. Its motor is at the rear axle
and the battery pack is under the cabin, enabling
a completely fl at fl oor inside. Honda sees this as a
mainstream model, despite the bespoke platform,
so the body is entirely made of steel and its wide
tires hint at its 1.5-tonne kerb weight - similar to
the much larger Nissan Leaf.
Hitomi-san says this was a necessary step:
“In the near future, electric vehicles will be
quite normal. So we believe it’s not right to
www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com // July 2019 // 13
been in front when developing the car and
taking decisions on drivetrain layout. We will
see the benefits of an EV in urban environments
and, for that purpose, a compact size is
important. This is dependent on battery size.”
New beginnings
Starting with a new platform offered almost a
completely blank canvas. The Honda e measures
3.9m (12.7ft) from bumper to bumper, which is
around 150mm shorter than a Jazz, but it features
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