Honda is not new to the concept of electrifying cars. Globally, it has a range of hybrid models on sale. Apart from those, it also sells a model powered by compressed hydrogen. However, it has never produced a battery-only electric vehicle (EV) for the world. That is where the Honda e comes in. What you see here is the production version of it. It just manages to blend those retro looks with modern technology almost perfectly.

The main talking point is, of course, the zero-emissions powertrain. Powering the rear wheels is a single electric motor which, depending on the variant, produces 134hp or 152hp. In both tunes, the torque figure is 315Nm, which should be plenty for a sprint from nothing to 100kmph in approximately 8 seconds. The electric motor gets its juices from a 35.5kWh battery which, when full, can help deliver a range of up to 220km. Thanks to fast charging capabilities, the battery can replenish from zero to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. That should be enough a range of up to 176km.

There are several reasons why one would define Honda e’s design as crisp. For instance, there are pop-out door handles which, when hidden away, help in attaining a neat look. And where are the conventional outside rear-view mirrors? Cannot spot them? Honda has replaced them with two cameras, which feed live images to two six-inch screens inside the cabin. Accompanying those displays are two 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens which handle infotainment duties and other applications. Honda has also included its Personal Assistant services which come to life when greeted with, “Okay, Honda”.

The Honda e will begin its innings in Europe. Prices in Germany start at 29,470 euros (~Rs 23.14 lakh) and go up to 32,470 euros (~Rs 25.49 lakh). Bookings for the EV are open, and deliveries in countries like France, Norway, the UK and Germany should commence from summer 2020.