Honda To Open Order Books For Production Version Of The Urban EV Concept

Honda revealed the Urban EV concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and it was a good looking compact electric vehicle. With a rather bland name, the Honda Urban EV Concept is a funky little hatchback with retro inspired styling from the older 1970-80s hatchbacks. Honda says the Urban EV Concept is not a far fetched model of the future but will make it to production very soon. The Honda Urban EV Concept will make it to production in a much toned down appearance and the company says it is expected to be launched in Europe sometime in 2019. Honda took the opportunity at its 2018 Geneva Motor Show press conference to confirm that order books for a production version of its Urban EV Concept will open in early 2019.

Speaking during Honda's 2018 Geneva motor show press conference, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe, Philip Ross confirmed the news, "A production version of this highly acclaimed concept will be introduced to Europe during late 2019, and in response to the positive feedback to this model, we expect to open order banks for the Urban EV during early 2019."

The concept previews the design and battery technology of smaller hatchback positioned below the Jazz hatchback, being about 100 mm shorter. There is an interactive screen as well on the grille that displays greetings, messages as well as the charging status. At the rear, the Japanese influence is evident with the raked windscreen while the squared taillights create a nice contrast over the headlamps.

Inside, the Honda Urban EV Concept continues with the retro theme but in a more futuristic layout. A massive touchscreen infotainment system takes prominence on the dashboard, while there seems to be a display panel on the door pad as well that act as outside rear view mirrors supported by real-time camera imagery. The dashboard is finished in wood, while the bench seats at the front and rear are upholstered in grey fabric. Honda has also added rear hinged doors on the Urban EV concept that makes access to the rear seats easier.

Honda hasn't revealed power output or battery figures on the concept, but does say the car is part of the automaker's 'Electric Vision' strategy, which includes a dedicated EV platform. This includes a high density and lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management system and the evolution of energy transfer solutions from to and from the vehicle.