Honda: First kilometers with the e:Ny1 🎥
IT CONTINUES As always at Honda, new models are well thought out and fine-tuned. Now comes the second electric car. The Honda e city runabout is joined by a compact SUV with the unusual name e:Ny1.
With the 4.39-meter-long Honda e:Ny1, the Group is launching a compact electric car. It is driven via the front axle, because the new model is based on the Honda HR-V. The looks are clearly in the direction of the HR-V, which is not a bad idea. The look clearly goes in the direction of the HR-V, which is not a bad idea. Like the compact SUV with hybrid drive, the new electric car has character without being visually loud. With smooth surfaces and sleek lines, the Japanese car has a strong appearance.
And if the launch video is to be trusted, the e:Ny1 is pronounced in English. So "ih-en-wai-one". It can be better recognized by the white H on the nose. The first letter of the company name in white stands for the manufacturer's electric vehicles.
Range of 412 kilometers
Unlike the Honda e, the e:Ny1 is not designed as a city car. The relatively large 68.8 kWh battery is supposed to allow a range of 412 kilometers according to the realistic WLTP cycle. The electric motor produces 204 hp and comes to 310 Newton meters of maximum torque. During DC fast charging on the highway, the e:Ny1 draws a maximum of 78 kW - not a top value, but sufficient to charge from ten to 80 percent in a good 45 minutes. When AC charging, the e:Ny1 manages up to 11 kW, which means around six hours of charging time.
With surprisingly precise steering and good comfort despite front-wheel drive, the almost 1.8-ton SUV drives like it looks: pleasing and unagitated. It reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in a good 7.6 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 160 km/h. That's not really necessary. That's all it really needs
A completely new chassis
Honda is known for its sophisticated technology, cars like the Civic or HR-V are excellently made. In the electric segment, the small Honda e may cost premium prices, but it is a king of the city. Expectations for the driving behavior of the first electric all-rounder are correspondingly high.
For e:Ny1, Honda has developed a completely new chassis specifically for battery-powered electric vehicles and improved torsional rigidity with high-strength steel. The e:Ny1 stays cleanly in its lane even when cornering at high speed. You feel very safe.
Touchscreen, but also keys
In the interior, the large 15.1-inch display catches the eye and serves as the command center for the infotainment. So the Japanese also rely primarily on touchscreen operation. Nevertheless, there are buttons on and around the center console for conventional operation. There is also a tray for inductive charging. Other striking features are the many storage options and the generous amount of space, which is due to the e:Ny1's platform and typical for electric cars. In the second row, even passengers taller than 1.80 meters can sit comfortably and enjoy the ride.
Our test vehicle had the panoramic glass roof. Thanks to a special coating, 90 percent of the IR radiation is supposed to be reflected so that the interior does not heat up. This worked quite well. You should treat yourself to this option.
Standard amenities
The e:Ny1 can already be configured and is available as Elegance from 45,990 Swiss francs, then with quite lush equipment and standard amenities such as Internet connection, navigation and a wireless smartphone charging station. The Advance version (from 48,990 Swiss francs) offers even more extras: for example, a 360-degree camera system and the panoramic glass roof described above. Not to mention the numerous standard assistance systems such as lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
