New e Prototype

There’s more to modern minimalism than meets the eye.

The Honda e Prototype is inspired by the original Honda Civic. It has a modern-retro look, with minimal detailing and a sporty stance. Its symmetrical headlights with LED technology sit within a piano-black surround, an effect that is repeated at the rear of the car. With painstaking attention to detail, everything that can be hidden away has been. Driver assistance systems are almost invisible to the eye. Charging points are out of sight. The roof appears to float delicately over the clean glass area. The effect is a new aesthetic; a desirable, perfectly proportioned compact electric car that slips silently through the air and cuts a dash in the city and beyond.

The latest technology bringing people together.

The full-width, digital dashboard in the Honda e Prototype shows how technology can better connect people. Seamless smartphone connectivity, voice-operated systems and all manner of information about the driver’s journey and driving style are available. The humble wing mirror is replaced by the latest, most sophisticated video cameras, which display the surrounding environment in greater detail than any mirror and virtually eliminate the danger of blind spots. They also eliminate drag. Buttons offering shortcuts to popular features are placed on the stylish, two-spoke steering wheel. And did you notice how something’s missing? There’s no gearlever. Instead, buttons for Drive, Reverse and Park are conveniently placed by the driver’s knee.

Leading the charge

With a range of over 125 miles, the Honda e Prototype is more than capable of handling everyday driving. And every journey should be a joy: the electric vehicle features a low centre of gravity and power goes to the rear wheels, to give outstanding response on the road. And with tax savings and reduced ‘fuel’ costs compared to petrol or diesel-powered cars, Honda’s new generation of electric car cares about more than having a good time.

The inside story

Inspired by Japanese principles of architecture, the open-plan layout of the Honda e reflects ‘Ma’. The word describes the dynamic created by open space. Honda’s designers and engineers worked in harmony, creating a flat floor and rear-wheel drive layout that allows for such an open interior. Clean, concise graphics for the driver’s information display and infotainment system ensure that the latest technology complements the natural feel. Stowage spaces and charging ports ensure everything has its place.