Honda had more of a presence at last week’s Frankfurt Motor Show than simply taunting us with a hybrid CR-V that was so obviously not a prototype. At their stand, the Japanese automaker also had this: the Urban EV Concept.
Cute isn’t it? And quite small too with the body measuring 100mm shorter than the Jazz. Though, given its round front illuminators, squared shape, and proportionately large wheels, it does seem to also evoke (unintentional) memories of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, it clearly is meant to resemble their first Civic back from 1972.
As it obvious through its name, the Urban EV is Honda’s vision (or one of them) for the future personal mobility. Since we won’t necessarily need huge range when travelling in large, most congested cities, a small car that’s far more manoeuvrable and easier to park that consequently has a smaller battery is more suitable.
Because there’s no engine up front that would need cooling, an large display is set against a pitch black background between the headlights, able to relay messages such as “greetings, advice for other drivers on the road, or charging status updates.” The display is replicated for the rear light array as well.
It’s built on a completely new platform, Honda says, and sets the direction up for a future production model. Though we struggle to think of any existing car from their line-up that would be suited to this kind of design. Perhaps they are planning to launch a new line of small and affordable EVs to appeal to the masses.
Inside, the car is surprisingly spacious thank to a very minimal approach to vehicle cabins, designed to be more lounge-like than car-like. The rear hinged doors are wide and provide access to the rear seats two, which bring to total occupant count to four. The front row is upholstered with natural grey fabric, with the seat backs, squabs and arm rests embellished with contemporary wood finish accents.
The seat belts for the rear bench are fixed in the middle of the seat, allowing the belt to retract out of the way before a passenger exits the car. The same wood finish wraps around a large ‘floating’ dashboard console. This houses the steering wheel column, a set of simple control buttons, and a panoramic display screen. The dashboard itself is completed by a wrap-around screen that runs behind the console and extends into the doors.
No powertrain details or specifications were provided about the Urban EV but given that the car is aimed at the near future, it would likely see the light of day as a showroom model powered by a bank of now-traditional lithium-ion batteries located in the floor of the vehicle supplying juice to a single electric motor at the front.
Honda also outlined some plans to pair this car with their broader electrified product range, called Power Manager, which will also include methods to transfer power, generated by renewable sources, to and from the home, or selling it back to the grid.
For more on Honda cars, check out our Showroom.
