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#FrankfurtMotorshow: Honda unveils Urban EV Concept

<i>Image: Quickpic</i>
<i>Image: Quickpic</i>

Frankfurt - Honda has revealed new electric vehicle, the Urban EV Concept, at the #FrankfurtMotorshow2017.

The reveal was made by Honda President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during his conference speech at the #FrankfurtMotorshow2017.

Honda's vision

He said: “This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019,” confirming that the concept is set to become a reality within two years.

The automaker says that the Urban ev Concept is built on a completely new platform, and showcases advanced technology within a simple and sophisticated design. The Honda emblem on the concept is backlit in blue, which previews a new styling feature for the company’s future ev's.

At a global level, Honda aims to have electrified technology in two thirds of its new car sales by 2030. In Europe, the target year is 2025, as interest is particularly strong.

Hachigo-san added: “Here in Europe, we see this move towards electrification gathering pace at an even higher rate than elsewhere,” eluding to the fact that Europe was therefore particularly appropriate for the global premiere of the “next step” in Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’ strategy.

Image: Quickpic

Philip Ross, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, followed Hachigo-san by introducing the new CR-V Hybrid Prototype.

Ross said: “On sale from 2018, this vehicle will be the first Honda hybrid SUV sold here in Europe." 

The CR-V Hybrid powertrain delivers real-world efficiency and effortless driveability. The i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) two-motor system does not need a conventional transmission – instead, a more compact multi-mode unit with a single fixed-gear ratio delivers torque seamlessly to the wheels.

Image: Quickpic

Power Manager

Ross also announced the new Honda Power Manager Concept, a fully integrated energy transfer system that can distribute electricity to and from the main grid, as well as directing power flow from renewable sources and managing the interaction of an electric vehicle battery connected to the home. 

Ross added: “When appropriate, Power Manager can draw on energy from the EV battery to power the home, and minimise the demand from the main grid.

“It even allows energy stored in the EV to be sold back to the grid to generate an income for the owner.”

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