At the Motor Show held in Frankfurt during these days it has been seen how different brands are betting on a completely electric future. Audi, Smart, Jaguar… And the last to join was the Japanese Honda with its Honda Urban EV Concept.
Of all the vehicles that have been seen in the German city, this Honda model is one of the ones that have attracted the most attention. Why? Well, especially for its retro design. Some bet that honors the Honda Civic model from the '70s. Now, if I'm honest, with those widened wheel arches; that suspension at ground level; Those large diameter rims and accompanied by large tires; and above all, a very minimalist look inside. All this reminds me of a German style, more specifically the VW Golf Rabbit.
It is not a standalone model
But speaking about this specific model, we will tell you that no technical data has yet been revealed; In other words, we cannot offer you information about its power or its autonomy. What we can tell you about is its design. And we will start by telling you that it is not a stand-alone model We will talk about this aspect later and why this is so. Therefore, inside we will have both steering wheel and pedals.
Now from Honda They wanted to highlight the central console, which houses a large screen that occupies the entire dashboard and in which we will have information about the state of traffic in real time; messages will be received - we assume incoming notifications from the mobile -; as well as the state of the battery at all times.
Use of AI and space for 4 occupants
Honda has also spoken of their intention to use Artificial Intelligence that they have baptized with the name of "Automated Network Assistant". A technology that learn at all times from the decisions - and actions - that the driver makes in order to better adapt to its needs.
Meanwhile, on the outside we will not have mirrors but they are replaced by cameras that will reflect the images on the sides of the interior screen. Likewise, the cabin is capable of accommodating 4 occupants comfortably. What's more, they have been arranged in the shape of a stool (they are not separate seats) and have been covered with pleasant fabric. As for its doors, they open in the opposite direction. According to Honda, a much more agile entry is achieved and with more space. However, when it comes to putting it into practice in circulation, this is a real danger on the streets due to possible accidents.
Finally, both on the front and on the back we will have two screens. There you will find the backlit Honda emblem in blue. This will be the case in all its electric models of the future to give them a distinction with respect to those powered by traditional or hybrid engines.
The Honda Urban EV Concept is not a long-term vision of the future
While other companies have stretched their models into the distant future, Honda has been clear from the start: from the Honda Urban EV Concept a production model will be released for 2019. For the moment they will only be based on the European market. And the safest thing is that they will have to make modifications to the appearance of this concept (mirrors, door mechanism, etc.).
Honda Power Manager Concept: Smartly Redistributing Power
Finally, Honda has not only wanted to focus on its electric vehicles, but has also wanted to bet on the generation of electricity through a smart grid. But to do this, homes should be installed what they have called "Honda Power Manager Concept."
This team would receive the energy from the grid and redistribute the energy in the home according to the demand. In addition, the new Honda Urban EV Concept would also have a very special role in this project. And it is that the electric car would serve as storage of this energy. Also, the user could be a consumer and a supplier at the same time. As we have said, it is a smart - and efficient - electrical grid. So some users will be able to supply energy —or sell— to other users for use in their homes.
In addition to being able to collect energy from the grid, the Honda Power Manager Concept can also be powered directly from solar panels. A pilot test of this system will be carried out in France for the year 2019 through the SMILE (Smart Ideas to Link Energies) project.