Honda SUV e:concept revealed in Beijing

• Unveiled at Beijing Motor Show
• Will be Honda’s second EV
• Very different styling to the hatchback

The Honda SUV e:concept has been revealed at the Beijing Motor Show. It’ll be Honda’s second fully electric car when it goes on sale, after the Honda e hatchback launched earlier this year. The production version will go on sale in China initially but Honda may decide to bring it to Europe.

We expect the new SUV will use the same platform and 152bhp rear-mounted electric motor as the Honda e. A bigger battery is likely, however, as the hatchback has a limited range and heavier SUV bodywork would only reduce this further.

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We expect 50kW fast-charging to come as standard, which should top up the battery to 80% in around half an hour. Hooking up to a Type 2 wallbox will fully recharge the battery in about nine hours.

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As it’s influenced by the Honda e, it’s likely that the Honda SUV e:concept will feature the same futuristic dashboard, which consists of two 12.3-inch infotainment screens and rear-view monitors instead of traditional door mirrors. A digital ‘assistant’ will feature in the system, alongside over-the-air updates and the latest smartphone connectivity. The Honda e also features quirks like an aquarium mode and a HDMI port to connect a games console - although only when the car’s stationary.

An improved 360-degree driver assistance feature will be included on the production-ready model, which suggests the Honda SUV e:concept will be able to drive semi-autonomously in some situations.

Styling is one aspect of the car that’s different to the Honda e. The SUV e:concept is more in keeping with the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V SUVs. There are angular LED headlights connected by a light bar, and a large Honda badge where you’d find a grille on a petrol car. The concept’s contrasting roof and black plastic wheel arches should reach production but it’s thought the final car will have five doors.

See where the Honda e features on our lists of the best city cars and cheapest electric cars.