New Honda e EV is Loaded with Cool Features

Wheel Time

Few concepts actually survive the process of moving to an actual production model. Fewer still make it resembling a vehicle anything like their futuristic predecessor. But Honda has kept their e EV largely as-is, and it's a pretty cool little battery-powered machine. And even though we can't exactly buy one here in the U.S., we were still pretty intrigued to hear what Tech Radar thought after spending some time behind the wheel of this diminutive BEV.

Photos: Honda  

Clever Construction

We were also happy to learn that one of the e's cool features, its digital door mirror cameras, actually functions amazingly well. Despite the fact that Tech Radar encountered some driving rain in Spain. "Cleverly, Honda has managed to develop a camera and housing in each that prevents water droplets forming right where you’d expect it, over the lens."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the new Honda e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Large and In Charge

Much ado has been made over the e's dashboard, which pretty much dominates the interior. But as Tech Radar found out, it isn't as distracting as you might think. "When you’re moving there’s a lot you won’t and can’t use. Wanna do some gaming or watch Netflix? Well, you can’t unless the parking brake is applied."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the new Honda e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Game On

One you have parked the car, however, the sky's the limit. "The Honda e turns into a veritable entertainment center, with connectivity that not only includes the usual USB ports front and rear, but also an HDMI port, 12V power and a 230V (1500W max) main plug socket. That means you can get your PlayStation or Xbox set up in there. Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot in the Advance model and you can game online."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the new Honda e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Well Equipped

Both the regular e and the e Advance come with a nice array of standard features for the money. That includes the side camera mirror system, Honda’s Sensing suite of driving aids, a rear-view camera, heated front seats. a panoramic glass roof, and adaptive cruise control. Step up to the Advance, and you also get a center camera mirror system, heated steering wheel, automatic parking, better audio system, blind-spot information, and a heated front windscreen.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the new Honda e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Nifty Tech

Honda's Personal Assistant is always there to help if needed, too, using artificial intelligence to give your experience a personal touch. And the Honda+ app will allow you to access a host of functions remotely, including the typical locking/unlocking of doors as well as things like monitoring the current charge level. And when you're ready to park the car, Honda's Pro Pilot parking system will even find nearby vacant parking spots for you.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the new Honda e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Can't Have It

All of these cool features, along with the e's rear-wheel-drive and 50:50 weight distribution, making it an obvious choice for those who need a practical city car. Unfortunately, that isn't a choice for we Americans. But perhaps if we hound Honda enough, they'll grace our shores with the e sometime in the future.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about the new Honda e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.