Honda and its partner companies in China will showcase the first three models of their new ‘Ye’ series of electric cars and crossovers later this month at the Beijing Auto Show – Auto China 2024. The offering includes a sleek, low-slung sedan thanks to late next years on the market.
Another three models are expected to complete the Ye series, with all six expected to hit the Chinese market in 2027. The new Ye P7 and Ye S7 models are expected to go on sale in late 2024.
Both SUVs will sit on a newly developed dedicated EV platform and will be available in two variants: a single-motor model with rear-wheel drive and a dual-motor model with all-wheel drive. Both variants are designed for the “fun of driving,” Honda says.
Honda claims that the RWD variants will offer ‘sporty and sharp handling’, while the 4WD vehicles will improve performance and have a slightly more responsive ride. There are few details on the cockpit so far, but the cabins will be equipped with an LED instrument cluster and door panels “that change in conjunction with the AI-powered assistance and other features.”
Honda says the third model just announced, the Ye GT Concept sedan, signals future design considerations for their EV plans in China. In keeping with its “low and wide” silhouette, the driver’s seat is “designed to immerse the driver in the driving experience, just like a racing driver,” the company said. The dynamic performance has been “thoroughly refined to deliver the ultimate driving experience in which the driver feels a sense of unity with the vehicle.” But Honda has not yet announced powertrain specifications.
The company has said the Ye products will reflect its “M/M” (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) design ideas, “which call for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components to increase the efficiency of the machines. space in the vehicle.”
The new series has been named with the Chinese character ‘烨’, meaning ‘shining brightly’, and they will all carry the new white-colored ‘H brand’ logo intended for Honda’s next-generation electric cars.
Honda currently offers the e:N series of electrical systems in China, and also sells the Honda e:Ny1 in the UK, where it costs a hefty $59,000.
