Electric Honda e to have water-cooled battery

Honda has announced the details of the chassis, battery and charging information for its Honda e electric car, which will make its production debut later this year.

The Honda e is the first Honda to be built on a dedicated EV platform. The car will feature a water-cooled 35.5 kWh Lithium-ion high-capacity battery that can be charged using either Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charge with at-a-glance LED indication of charging status.

Designed for urban environments, the battery is positioned centrally at a low level within the wheelbase under the floor of the car, giving it a 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity for optimal handling and stability. Power from the high-torque electric motor is delivered through the rear wheels enabling steering precision even at high acceleration.

The 35.5 kWh Lithium-ion high-capacity battery can be charged using either Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charger. With a full range of over 125 miles, the fast-charge capability will provide 80% charge in 30 minutes.

The charging port is integrated into the bonnet, with LED lighting visible through a glass panel to illuminate the port for the driver and highlight the battery charging status. The central positioning of the charging port allows easy access from the front of the car or from either side. Displays on the dual touchscreens inside the car present the current level of battery charge, while a drivetrain graphic charts the current power flow and the regeneration and recharging status.

The battery pack is water-cooled to maintain an optimum thermal state, therefore maximising the efficiency of the battery and charge state, while also ensuring its size and weight are minimised so that it does not compromise cabin room.

Presented in prototype form at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the first Honda production battery electric vehicle for the European market will make its mass production debut later this year.

Honda has already received 31,000 expressions of interest across Europe with over 9,000 coming from the UK.