All-electric HR-V! Honda e:NS1 spied in Thailand, slated for 2023 ASEAN debut

If you like the looks of the Honda HR-V crossover, but want a fully electric powertrain, this might be what you’re looking for.

Our sister publication WapCar Malaysia reported that a Honda e:NS1 prototype has been spotted at a charging station, based on spyshots from Thai publication Headlightmag.com.

“Though it may just be there for initial tests, there are signs that point for this EV SUV to be launched in the ASEAN region in the near future,” said WapCar Senior Writer Sanjay.

In addition, Honda Cars is mulling over putting up an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Thailand to reduce imports from Japan. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota are among the major manufacturers that are already producing xEV batteries for the Thailand market.

WapCar also reported on February 2023 that the Thai government plans to cut the excise taxes on domestically produced EV batteries to just 1 percent, down from 8 percent.

All-electric HR-V

The Honda e:NS1 was unveiled on November 2021 and began sales in China on April 2022.

Another version of the electric crossover called the Honda e:SUV Prototype, was showcased at the 2022 Thailand International Motor Expo.

It is the first of 10 new Honda e:N EVs that will be launched in China, where the Japanese carmaker plans to sell a fully electric lineup by 2030.

Although it shares the HR-V’s styling, the e:NS1 uses Honda’s e:N F Architecture platform. The similarities with the HR-V are all too glaring though, and you can't be faulted to conclude that it is the same ICE platform as the HR-V but with an EV battery pack mounted underneath. 

There are two variants:

• Base – 182 PS and 310 Nm of torque, 53.6-kWh battery pack, maximum claimed range of 420 km

• Premium – 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque, 68.8-kWh battery pack, maximum claimed range of 510 km

The interior, as shown here in photos provided by our Chinese counterparts, is also similar to the HR-V, although the EV version gets a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a vertical, 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The e:NS1 also uses buttons instead of a gear selector, similar to the Honda CR-V.

Would you like to have an EV version of the Honda HR-V on our roads?

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