2022 Honda e:NS1 EV launched in China—is it the electric HR-V we’ve been waiting for?

Honda Cars Philippines just launched the all-new HR-V compact crossover, but there's another Honda vehicle that has caught our eyes. Dongfeng Honda, one of the Japanese giant's joint ventures in China, recently began selling the e:NS1 electric vehicle (EV).

The Honda e:NS1 is the first model among a new EV lineup for the Chinese market. It takes its form from the third-generation HR-V while becoming the pioneer vehicle for Honda's e:N Architecture F. The new platform uses a front-mounted electric motor with 150 kW or 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. A 68.8-kWh ternary lithium-ion battery delivers a single-charge range of around 510 kilometers, according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

Honda equipped the e:NS1 with its latest EV technologies, including Honda Connect 3.0, which enables artificial intelligence (AI) voice capabilities and augmented reality (AR) navigation functionality. Inside, the highly modern cabin features a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel and a massive, portrait-style, 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Honda e:N OS technology combines Honda Connect 3.0, Honda Sensing, and Intelligent Digital Cockpit to provide a seamless experience on the e:NS1. There's also a Driver Monitoring Camera (DMC) for observing the driver and watching for inattentiveness or sleepiness. 

Another one of Honda's joint ventures in China, GAC Honda, aims to release the e:NP1 EV next month. The e:NP1 and e:NS1 are essentially twin models produced by two different manufacturers. Pricing information for that model is not yet available.

The Honda e:NS1 has been priced, and it starts at ¥175,000 CNY or around P1.385-million for the lower model. The top-spec variant sells for ¥218,000 CNY or around P1.726-million.   

Honda is looking to launch up to ten EVs in China by 2027. There's no word on whether Honda has plans to export its new EVs to neighboring markets, but it could be possible in the future. The Philippines has yet to receive a true Honda EV, so the time may be ripe for something like the e:NS1 to make waves in the country.