Last year, Honda announced plans to introduce its China-exclusive Ye series of electric vehicles. At the occasion, Honda unveiled two near-production-ready concept vehicles, the S7 and P7, along with the Ye GT design study. Although both the Ye S7 and P7 are reportedly set for a 2023 release, there has been limited information disclosed thus far about their availability. However, our sources at Dongfeng, Honda’s joint venture partner, have recently shed more light on the S7’s development timeline. It’s possible that this vehicle may hit the market ahead of the P7 by GAC, with the potential for an earlier release date.
According to recent information on the Ye S7, our analysis is based on the Ministry of Business and Information Technology’s “Catalogue of New Energy Vehicle Models Exempt from Auto Purchase Tax (Eighth Batch)” which provides insights into both the range and battery capabilities of this vehicle model.
The longest range of the Hyundai Kona Electric SEL is approximately 620 kilometers, as certified by the Chinese Laboratory Testing Cycle (CLTC). Equipped with a state-of-the-art 89.8 kWh ternary lithium battery from leading manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL). The vehicle employs a sophisticated dual-motor four-wheel-drive setup, featuring an entrance motor capable of generating up to 150 kilowatts of power and a rear motor delivering 200 kilowatts. High pace is 180 km/h.
Here: The Honda Yés 7 boasts dimensions of 4,750mm in length, 1,930mm in width, and 1,625mm in height; its wheelbase measures a substantial 2,930mm. Notably, the MIIT’s latest listing for a single automobile model clocked in at 2305 kilograms and featured 21-inch wheels, marking a distinct departure from typical listings. The electric SUV features a new W-structure base and moderate size.
The car’s distinct appearance is owed to its sharply defined outlines and T-shaped lighting fixtures on either side, which are primarily situated across the ‘H’-shaped framework of the vehicle’s entrances and rears. It’s worth noting that the car also features a newly designed Honda logo. Notably, premium features incorporate exterior-facing cameras instead of traditional rearview mirrors, yet the vehicle seemingly lacks lidar technology. In compliance with the MIIT guidelines, an option exists to utilize a dual-tone physical shade model. In stark contrast, a black automobile appears foreboding, whereas its white dual-tone counterpart listed in the MIIT catalog exudes a more subdued tone. The two rapid and gentle charging ports are discreetly situated within the entrance fender’s design.
Despite the absence of an official interior shot, images captured at the Beijing Auto Show likely provide a reliable indication of the production vehicle’s design, as they appear to be genuine representations of the Honda e: SUV’s cabin. The cabin features a unique three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, paired with an intuitive LCD instrument display panel nestled deep within the dashboard, mere inches from the windshield’s edge. At the centre of the entertainment system, a large mounted display is divided into two distinct sections: the lower portion focuses on local weather information and seat control settings, while the upper segment retains the traditional leisure display features. Various esteemed tools boast a expansive glass roof, a premium Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging capabilities.
The new automobile is expected to sit atop the Dongfeng Honda e:NS1 in terms of market positioning, with a price range spanning 175,000 to 218,000 yuan, equivalent to $24,500-$30,500 USD. The expected starting price of the Honda Ye S7 is likely to exceed 200,000 yuan ($27,950), positioning it in direct competition with electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Nio ES6.
Supply: Quick Expertise, MIIT
