The Production Version Of Honda's E-Prototype Won't Be Cheap

Although Honda is a little way off revealing pricing for its new electric city car, we can expect 'premium' pricing
The Production Version Of Honda's E-Prototype Won't Be Cheap

Even amongst hypercars with four-figure power outputs, the Honda E-Prototype still managed to be the star of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It looks fabulous in the metal, has a wicked interior that’s unlike anything Honda has ever made, and the production version stands to be attainable for a wide audience.

Except, it won’t be quite as attainable as we might have hoped. When asked at a roundtable interview with exterior design project leader Ken Sahara if the electric city car would be pitched closer to a Renault Zoe or a BMW i3 in terms of price, a Honda Europe spokesperson indicated that it would be more than the French car.

Since the Renault has a starting price of £21,220, this alone dashes hopes of the production E-Prototype being the first desirable sub-£20k EV. It stands to be pricier than the Zoe by some margin too, with the word ‘premium’ used to describe the expected price tag. That’s a little disappointing, but it shouldn’t stop the car being a big seller.

Along with the hints about pricing, we also learned that the showroom car should be nearly indistinguishable from the one on the stand at Geneva. The E-Prototype is “almost production ready - 95 per cent,” Sahara confirmed. Yes, that includes the fancy camera mirrors.

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that the E-Prototype isn’t a ‘toned down’ version of the Urban EV concept revealed back in 2017 - Sahara said that work on the concept and the prototype started “almost at the same time”. And as good as the concept looks, its 20-inch wheels just aren’t feasible for a production car. Neither is that flat nose, partly because of pedestrian safety and also because it’d make the front end far too easy to damage.

Finally, there are the different door counts to consider. The concept’s three-door layout looks cleaner, but Honda was keen for the car to have smaller doors to make opening them easier in confined city environments. So, five doors it is for the E-Prototype and the production car.

As for when you’ll be able to buy one, we’re told order books should open in Europe later this year.

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Comments

boi_

K24 swap anyone?

03/06/2019 - 17:50 |
60 | 2
RWB Dude

In reply to by boi_

Or a F20C swap lol

03/06/2019 - 18:33 |
24 | 0
Cam Kennedy

That might be one of the most inviting and beautiful interiors in recent memory.

03/06/2019 - 18:01 |
36 | 0

It reminds me of a living room lol

03/06/2019 - 18:33 |
24 | 0

It feels so rustic and cozy

03/06/2019 - 19:01 |
16 | 0

Only other interior like that is in the S-Class in my opinion

03/06/2019 - 22:45 |
8 | 0
F1VEFOUR

Small EVs with no range and a very hefty pricetag? You can ask BMW how sales went.
I wouldn’t expect much from this, its just too expensive while you can get a friggin AYGO for sub 10k now… more than 20k more for it being electric? yeeeeaahh

03/06/2019 - 21:30 |
16 | 0

While I fully agree with you, I must say that the i3 is nowhere as stylish as this honda. I don’t think it’s going to beat the sales of a Fiat 500, but I do think it’s going to beat the i3 by somewhere near tenfold. In ev-terms, I think that would be a huge success.

03/07/2019 - 06:12 |
10 | 0
Anonymous

I love the interior I love the car I would definitely have this as a first car or second car because depreciation has to do its thing.

03/06/2019 - 21:30 |
2 | 0
UnknownCat13

This car just keeps getting worse the more we learn about it

03/06/2019 - 21:36 |
4 | 16

I agree. high price low range. I rilly dont think it looks that good too.

03/07/2019 - 14:59 |
2 | 2
Lucas Leal

Looks like a Jeep Renegade.

03/06/2019 - 23:33 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I heard they were aiming for sub £20k range…

03/07/2019 - 04:27 |
4 | 0
Ryan L.

so no love for america?

03/07/2019 - 15:13 |
0 | 0
Myrmeko (#CTSquad)

It looks way less happy than the concept tho… :/

03/12/2019 - 09:41 |
2 | 0

But the interior is amazing. One of the best from the recent years.
Is so retro, but so modern.

03/12/2019 - 09:41 |
2 | 0