Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Honda e:Ny1 SUV
Honda Motor Company is a leading global manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. The company is also the 7th largest automotive manufacturer in the world, with an annual production of over 5.2 million vehicles. Honda has won strong loyalty from its customers, given the reliability of its cars. Models like the Honda Civic and the Honda CR-V crossover have helped establish the company enviable reputation for reliability.
Honda is strongly committed to the development and manufacturer of plug-in electric vehicles, and has an ambition to achieve two-thirds of its global sales from zero-tailpipe emission electric vehicles. The company currently has the following portfolio of electric vehicles (EVs):
- The all-electric Honda e
- The all-electric Honda e:Ny1
It has taken sometime for the Japanese automotive manufacturer to introduce its second battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the Honda e:NY1 SUV. The e:NY1 is also its first fully-electric SUV. The e:NY1 SUV (B-segment) has much in common with the Honda HR-V, with both using the e:N Architecture F platform (the ‘F’ stands for front-motor-driven platform). It seems the genesis of the nameplate of the small e-SUV is partly linked to the platform i.e. the ‘e:N’.
Honda had been explicit with its target audience for the compact electric SUV, targeting ‘younger buyers’. However, the price tag would suggest otherwise. Affordability is a key component in the decision making process of most buyers, in particular, a younger demographic group. In fact, one of the criticisms levied against the all-electric Honda e, has been the lack of affordability.
In 2023, we have witnessed the introduction of a plethora of affordable electric cars, with even well established EV manufacturers like, Tesla, lowering prices. We do believe that Honda will need to work harder at offering a more compelling ‘value proposition’, if indeed, the company is to gain greater market share of a younger demographic segment! Though comparing the very affordable all-electric Citroën Ami is not a ‘like-for-like’ comparison with the e:NY1, the electric Ami is a good example of affordability targeted at a younger buyer segment. The EV is priced below €10,000!
It is good to note the increase in EV battery size for the latest Honda electric crossover. The smaller (35.5 kWh) for the Honda-e hatchback restricted the broader appeal for the EV, given its limited range (222 km). However, it seems Honda has taken some lessons from its first electric car, even though, like the Honda-e, the e:NY1 caters primarily for the urban driver.
The all-electric e:NY1 SUV has a substantially larger onboard EV battery size (68.8 kWh), with an improved electric range. Honda claims up to 412 km (WLTP) on a full charge. Certainly an improvement, but not class-leading. Of course, the claimed range needs to be adjusted for real-world driving conditions. Expect a zero-tailpipe emission e-range up to 350 km on a full charge.
By way of comparison, the all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV is priced at the same level as the e:NY1 SUV, however, the bZ4X SUV has a 71.4 kWh onboard EV battery with a claimed range up to 510 km. A realistic e-range for the bZ4X SUV will be closer to 430 km. Significantly more than the e:NY1 SUV. Honda offers up to 8 years or 160,000 km EV battery warranty. Similar to what other automotive manufacturers are currently offering.
The Honda e:NY1 has improved AC and DC charging capability, compared to the Honda-e. The e:NY1 offers three-phase (11 kW) AC onboard charging and 78 kW DC charging, as standard. Though an improvement, it is far from class-leading. We are now witnessing most recent pure electric cars offering DC charging over 100 kW DC and in some cases up to 350 kW DC. As an example, the all-Electric Genesis GV60 offers up to 350 kW DC charging as standard. According to Honda, the e:NY1 can gain 100 km in just 11 minutes at 78 kW DC charging.
Though it is better to have a three-phase (11 kW) AC onboard charger compared to a single-phase (7 kW) AC onboard charger, given that most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, only those with access to three-phase power supply will be able to take advantage of the 11 kW AC onboard charger. The charging port is located behind a panel in the front grille.
The BEV can be fully charged 10%-80% in 6 hours using a three-phase EV charger like myenergi zappi. Single-phase EV charging will take longer (up to 9 hours). We encourage EV owners to install on-site renewable energy generation and battery storage. It is an excellent approach to mitigate against energy price inflation and also to achieve zero well-to-wheel tailpipe emissions.
In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive (FWD) Honda electric SUV can deliver 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed up to 160 km/h (max power: 204 PS/ torque: 310 Nm). There are three driving modes: Sport, Normal and Econ Drive. To increase electric range, the Econ Drive mode is the best option. In this mode the EV prioritises energy efficiency by adjusting air conditioning, heated seats and the heated steering wheel.
The EV offers a 15.1-inch centre touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. It also incorporates compatibility with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Wireless charging also comes as standard. The e-SUV also offers the Honda SENSING suite of active safety technologies, along with camera and sonar technology, to include: road departure mitigation system, lane keeping assist system, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition system, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitor and more. The model has yet to be tested for safety by Euro NCAP.
On certain grades, Honda offers the Parking Pilot, that recognises a parking spot, controls the steering, brakes and accelerator to park the EV.
The five-door e:NY1 EV has a practical interior, despite the impact of the sloping roofline. For taller adults seated at the rear, headroom is limited. However, legroom is ample! The boot space is up to 361 L. The panoramic glass sunroof does not come as standard.
Company-car drivers can also take advantage of the electric car. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Decent electric range | Expensive |
| 3-phase (11 kW) AC onboard charger as standard | DC charging limited to 78 kW DC |
| A good level of onboard technology | Not class-leading |
Gallery
The All-Electric Honda e:Ny1 SUV (credit: Honda)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Honda e:Ny1 (from €N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 68.8 kWh |
| Charging: | 78 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-80%: 6 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1584 |
| Width (mm): | 1790 |
| Length (mm): | 4387 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2607 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.6 |
| Boot Space (L): | 344 – 361 |
| Honda e:Ny1 | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 68.8 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 412 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.2 kWh |
| Charging: | 78 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-80%: 6 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 150 |
| Max Power (PS): | 204 |
| Torque (Nm): | 310 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 1,730-1,752 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?
| EV Heat Pump: The Basics | |
|---|---|
| What is a heat pump in electric cars? | In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery). |
| How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months? | Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%. |
| How does a heat pump work in an electric car? | Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated. |
| Is a heat pump used only for heating? | No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling. |
| Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs? | Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option. |
| Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery? | Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase. |
| Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same? | No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%). |
| Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months? | Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day! |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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