Awesome Honda e Prototype Is The Cutest Thing At The 2019 Geneva Motor Show

Revealed in front of a massive black screen, the strikingly white Honda e Prototype was one of the cutest highlights at the this year's Geneva Motor show. It is still a concept, just like it was two years ago in Geneva, but in this case, the e Prototype is far closer to production. It feels much more real in its efforts to combine modernity of the electric vehicles and emotionally charged retro styling directly linked with early Honda cars. The small electric city dweller with 124 miles of range takes the aim to shoot for the B segment of the European car hierarchy. That will make it a direct competitor to cars such as the Peugeot 208, or the Renault Clio, both of which have been refreshed and unveiled at this year's show, by the way.

The Honda e Prototype On The Geneva Motor Show Floor

I came to see the Honda e Prototype on the show after taking a few glances at the Abarth collection that (among other things) included the 1957 Fiat 500 Zagato Coupe (cutest thing ever). After I concluded that no one makes cars as cute or as beautiful as Abarth I moved on to drool over the oustanteousity of Mansory. Then, a few exhibition stands later, the Honda e Prototype was sitting surrounded by journalists and photographers. It was really close to yet another hit – the Jimny. And then it hit me that I was wrong. We do have seriously cute cars nowadays. More so than ever.

This Is Why Honda Wants To Make The Honda e Prototype the Real-Deal

The Honda e Prototype is actually a smart execution of the vehicle that should be really successful in Europe – a small, relatively short-range runabout for congested Europe cities. Honda officials actually hinted at the possibility of the small EV development back in 2011 when Takanobu Ito, Honda boss, said that “For Japan, Europe, and certain parts of Asia, we think the smaller category would be an option. In this category, the smaller Evs would be an option.“

Well, this is it. Eight years after Ito said those words we have the e Prototype.

The Honda e Prototype Production Version

The evolution of the Honda e Prototype is most evident when compared with the concept from 2017 Geneva Motor Show. They will be able to provide enough electrons for 124 miles of range. I know this sounds laughable for all of you Tesla-loving gearheads, but the e Prototype is aimed at small European cities with challenging and narrow streets. It is also perfect for commuters who do not travel for ages to get to work or get groceries. Considering that 80 percent of the battery can be recharged in 30 minutes, this 124 miles of range concept seems seriously well balanced with the real needs.

While the production version is to be even more „down to Earth“ compared with the e Prototype concept from 2019 Geneva Motor Show, it may retain some of its cool features. The e Prototype has plenty of those. Cool features on the Honda e Prototype include:

-* Cameras instead of rearview mirrors

-* Four massive displays (two of which are for the rearview mirrors)

-* Flush door handles

-* Tinted glass roof

-* Glass over the front charging ports

-* See-through front grille with Honda logo behind it

-* Intricate illumination start-up sequence on the front lights

-* Wooden wrapped surfaces in the cabin

Actually, the cabin is one of the most impressive characteristics of the new Honda e Prototype. Not only does it look cool, but Honda managed to cram a whole lot of space inside. That space is occupied by awesome seats, physical controls for the air con (a really neat touch), and a cool steering wheel.

Drivetrain

Unfortunately, we do not know a lot about the drivetrain except for the fact that the e Prototype can cover 200 miles, be recharged up to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes. And a big one. It is rear wheel driven. Yup, the e Prototype is a rear wheel drive car. Not surprising really as that frees up space up front and in the cabin. Plus, it makes for smarter packaging of the batteries and in return gives somewhat lively driving dynamics. It is definitely more fun than FWD. I think we are to see a number of RWD electric cars in the near future. VW's ID line of cars will be largely rear wheel driven.

Conclusion

The Honda e Prototype is a long Honda dream that came true. You will be able to place an order for it this summer, and production will kick off later this year. Sure, we have yet to see that production car. It will be somewhat different from this particular e Prototype.