Honda Urban EV concept previews production electric city car at Frankfurt
Honda unveiled the Urban EV concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a production-bound electric city car with retro-inspired styling and new platform.
Honda introduced the Urban EV concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, confirming plans for a production electric city car based on the show car's design and technology. The company stated that a production version would arrive in Europe in 2019, marking Honda's first mass-market battery electric for the region.
Retro styling, new architecture
The Urban EV concept stands out with compact proportions, coming in shorter than the Jazz supermini. Its styling draws clear inspiration from Honda's heritage, with simple lines, round headlights and a low, wide stance. Despite the retro cues, the car is built on a new platform developed specifically for electric vehicles, rather than adapting an existing petrol model.
Honda has not released detailed technical specifications for the concept, but the focus is on urban practicality and efficient packaging. The concept features digital displays between the headlights and taillights, capable of showing charging status or messages for other road users. The interior combines a minimalist approach with modern technology, including a wide dashboard screen that extends into the doors and traditional switchgear set into a wood-finished dash.
Position in Honda's line-up
The Urban EV concept sits below the Jazz in size, targeting city drivers seeking a compact, zero-emissions vehicle. Its bespoke electric platform suggests Honda intends to expand its electric line-up rather than simply electrifying existing models. The company has previously shown hydrogen and plug-in hybrid concepts, but this marks its most direct statement of intent for a European-market battery electric car.
Honda's decision to launch the Urban EV in Europe reflects the region's tightening emissions targets and growing demand for electric vehicles in urban areas. The production model is expected to retain much of the concept's distinctive design, though final specifications and pricing have not been disclosed.
Concepts at Frankfurt 2017
The Urban EV was one of several electrified concepts at the 2017 Frankfurt show, joining models such as the Audi Aicon and Chery Exeed TX plug-in hybrid. Honda's approach stands out for its blend of retro styling and modern technology, aimed squarely at the European city car segment.
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