Honda Showcases A Trio of e:N Series Concept EVs at Auto Shanghai 2023

Renowned Japanese automaker Honda has joined alongside its eternal rivals Toyota and Nissan in debuting new EV concepts at the Auto Shanghai 2023. Part of the marque’s e:N Series EV lineup, the three new EV concepts are specifically designed for the Chinese market, with its production counterparts set to roll out as early as 2024.

Honda e:NP2 Prototype (left) & Honda e:NS2 Prototype (right)

Starting with the Honda e:NP2 Prototype and e:NS2 Prototype, both models are said to offer “a unique driving pleasure that enables the driver to enjoy a sense of oneness with the vehicle." The two models sport what Honda described as a unique SUV body styles with the "sleek form of sedans.", featuring sloping rooflines and a fastback-like rear end.

On board, the two e:N prototypes are primed with a clean-looking cabin space design that conveys intelligence with "clean, uncluttered, yet pleasantly rounded forms”. The cabin setup is powered by the Honda Connect 4.0, while featuring other advanced features and tech amenities.

Standard in any concept models, the automaker remains tight-lipped on other details of the two e:N EV prototypes, particularly the EV setup they harness. However, it is safe to presume that the production version of both models will be built at either one of Honda’s Chinese joint ventures – GAC Honda Automobile or Dongfeng Honda Automobile.

Moving on to the next model the Honda e:N SUV Concept posits itself as a more traditional-looking EV SUV. This EV SUV concept shares its moniker with a special design study concept introduced by Honda back in 2021. 

Unlike the wildly-designed special concept, the e:N SUV Concept looks tamer and more subdued. Compared to all three EV concepts previewed by Honda, the e:N SUV Concept looks the closest to production.

The production version of the e:N SUV Concept will be the first model to underpin the marque’s proprietary EV platform, dubbed as the e:N Architecture W. Being the closest concept to its production version, the e:N SUV Concept will serve as the precursor to next-gen EV models for the Honda e:N Series.

Just like the e:NP2 Prototype and e:NS2 Prototype, Honda promises a unique driving experience for the e:N SUV Concept, assisted by a bevy of safety and driver’s assistance features – all powered by the AI-powered Honda Connect technologies.

The production version of the e:NP2 Prototype and e:NS2 Prototype are poised to make their debut in early 2024, exclusively for the Chinese market, for now. In spite of its near-production look, the e:N SUV Concept will roll into production much later in 2024, representing the third wave of Honda e: N Series lineup to come to the Chinese market.

Ultimately, all these models are part of Honda’s plan to launch 10 EV models in China by 2027, en route to its end goal of achieving 100% of its sales in China coming exclusively from EV models by 2035.