Dongfeng Honda’s e:NS1 BEV model goes on sale, starting at 175,000 yuan

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Honda, the joint venture between Honda Motor and Dongfeng Motor Group, announced its first Honda-branded BEV model, the e:NS1, formally hit the market on April 26. Coming with four trim levels, the model is priced between 175,000 yuan ($26,680) and 218,000 yuan ($33,235) after subsidies.

GAC Honda, the Japanese automaker's another joint venture in China, will take orders for the twin e:NP1 next month.

Positioned as a compact SUV, the e:NS1 measures 4,390mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,560mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,610mm. It will offer 5 options of color skins.

The new model rides on the E:N Architecture F, a front-wheel-drive platform dedicated to pure electric vehicles. According to Honda Motor, this platform can be adapted with different frames, powertrains, batteries, and wheelbases, and is designed to work for small to medium-sized vehicles.

e:NS1; photo credit: Dongfeng Honda

The e:NS1 is reminiscent of the new HR-V, but the BEV model features a closed-off grille and a luminescent "H" emblem instead. The charging port is behind the front logo. At the back, the "H" is replaced by the lettering "Honda". The full-width LED light strip accentuates the model's width.

e:NS1; photo credit: Dongfeng Honda

The e:NS1's interior adopts a minimalist design, but also carries a 10.25-inch full LCD dashboard, a 15.2-inch console-mounted display, as well as streaming media rearview mirrors, which are expected to appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

According to Honda China, the e:NS1 will utilize the “e:N OS” full-stack smart control ecosystem, which integrates the “Honda SENSING” driver-assist system, the BEV-dedicated  “Honda CONNECT 3.0” in-car connected system, and a smart digital cockpit.

The model features a front-wheel-drive layout. It comes with two power solutions: the one carries an electric motor that churns out up to 150kW and 310 N·m, and delivers a CLTC range of 510km; the other is armed with a 134kW electric motor and is capable of a 420km range under CLTC test cycle as well. With a capacity of 68.8kWh, the ternary battery pack is offered by CATL.