Honda E Clenches ‘2021 German Car of The Year Award’
Honda’s all-electric, rear-wheel drive city car, the Honda E, is the first Japanese car to win the coveted German car award.
Not too long ago, we pleaded for Honda to bring the Honda E to the United States. What’s not to love? It’s all-electric, rear-wheel drive, and features 50:50 weight distribution and independent rear suspension. It’s really an electric go-kart for the road. Sadly, our begging continues to fall on deaf ears. A lack of safety features and willing buyers is likely to blame for the adorable little EV’s absence on our side of the pond. However, this lovely little bit of technological advancement is flourishing overseas.
Released at the beginning of 2020, the Honda E is the Japanese motoring giant’s premier EV for the European market. Naturally, Europe fell in love just like we did. As a result, the Honda E is now officially known as the 2021 German Car of The Year, reports Clean Technica. Obviously, the award does not require a car to be from a German manufacturer to win. However, we understand that the naming scheme is a bit misleading.
This marks the first time in its history the German Car of The Year Award falls into the hands of a Japanese made auto. Frankly, we’d have trouble picking a more worthy vehicle ourselves. Even Honda themselves are quite happy with the award choice.
“For Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded German Car of the Year is a great honor and one we are incredibly proud to receive,” said Katsuhisa Okuda, CO & President of Honda Motor Europe.
“Customer and media response to the Honda e since it was first unveiled has been overwhelmingly positive. The Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award,” continues Okuda.
Lots of tech in a tiny package
We tend to agree with Okuda’s assessment of the Honda E. Cutting-edge technology almost feels like an understatement with the amount of tech found in this car. Inside, the dash features a remarkable touchscreen infotainment system. It’s certainly not lacking in the electric vehicle features, either.
The Honda E has a range of 137 miles on a full charge. Additionally, it will provide you with 80% of that range with only thirty minutes of rapid charging. It isn’t quite as stellar in the range department as the likes of Tesla. However, it does provide more than enough range for most consumers’ driving needs.
It also features side-view cameras instead of mirrors and a regenerative braking system. Furthermore, it allows the use of single-pedal driving by way of the regenerative braking system. Couple that with its sub-nine-second zero to sixty-two mile per hour sprint, and you’re left with a sporty, fun little car.
While we may not get the Honda E in the states, we are happy to see Honda continuing to push the envelope with modern technology. Hopefully, someday we’ll get a taste of Honda’s electric microcar advancement.
Photos: Honda
Join the Honda-Tech forums now!
