Honda presented an electric SUV in China that is very similar to the brand new HR-V. For the time being we don’t have to count on it here, but never say never.
The new Honda HR-V (photos 3 and 4) looks completely different from the outgoing generation, but you don’t have to look twice to see that it closely resembles the electric Honda SUV e unveiled in Shanghai last weekend (photos 1 and 2). Then of course the question arises: will there also be a fully electric version of the HR-V and can we expect it here in Europe? Honda’s short answer: no. “The SUV e is purely a prototype for a ‘dedicated EV’ for the Chinese market. There is no direct link with the HR-V now unveiled for Europe. At the moment there are also no plans for new BEVs for Europe yet. We do have the technology in-house, so any form of electrification is possible in the future, but that also depends on the market “, they explain to Techzle.
Obviously, but that does not completely rule out the arrival of an electric HR-V. The SUV e is a concept car developed by a Chinese joint venture of Honda, so it is understandable that a production version of that specific Chinese car will not be coming here. What the SUV e does show, however, is that it is apparently possible to fit an electric powertrain into the new HR-V. So do not be surprised if Honda eventually makes the new HR-V fully electric for the European market and that it may also look like the SUV e. Given the statements of Honda – if that happens – it will still take some time.
The new HR-V is already more electric than the previous one, as it is now a hybrid as standard. After all, Honda is aiming for a fully electrified model range in Europe after 2022. A plug-in hybrid version of the HR-V is just not yet to come, according to Honda. Here too it is stated again: “Technically it is possible. Whether we will do it, however, still depends on the question.” The 131 hp 1.5 hybrid is the only version we get for the time being. Honda will announce more details about the new HR-V in the coming weeks.