An electric HR-V for ASEAN? Honda SUV e:Prototype previewed in Thailand

Besides the 2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5) snatching clicks from attendees, the Honda SUV e:Prototype stands proud at the carmakers booth in the 39th Thailand International Motor Expo.

The ambition is clear; this is the closest thing we have to an electric HR-V for now, and it has gone on sale as such in the form of the China-only Honda e:NS1 and e:NP1 twins. A global version exists, the Honda e:Ny1 but that too is is a prototype still.

Having this SUV e:Prototype here nonetheless is a good signal of Honda’s plans for the region. Sometime last year, the company mentioned that they’re considering investing into a EV battery assembly plant in Thailand.

Also read: After Malaysia, Honda to consider investing into an EV battery plant in Thailand

No further specifications were divulged by the carmaker yet, but China’s e:NS1 and e:NP1 both have a pair of powertrain configurations: one featuring a front-mounted electric motor (182 PS/310 Nm), juiced by a 53.6 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, scoring a range of up to 420 km.

A more premium trim will see 510 km of range from a 204 PS and 310 Nm motor fed by a 68.8 kWh battery pack.

Also read: The EV Honda HR-V that goes by the name e:NS1 is now on sale in China from RM 116k

Charging rates see power climb from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 40 minutes while a slower charge will take 9 hours to get from 5 percent to 100 percent, though voltage for these are undisclosed.

While the exterior of the e:NS1 and e:NP1 twins are pretty much a carbon copy of the currently-sold HR-V, the cabin is a fancier affair; adding a huge vertical screen in the middle besides adding more gizmos.

Source: An electric HR-V for ASEAN? Honda SUV e:Prototype previewed in Thailand