Honda's NEW EV is embarrassing - how did I not notice this?

[@rosnow]

Any step towards EV is a good move. They can keep the optimizing the chassis and the systems to support electric as they go.

[@NoelBarlau]

I was a huge Honda fan, and drove a 1988 Civic Hatchback for over a decade - loving every minute of it. Honda had a great product back then. Slowly they started to lose their way, moving away from lightweight, classic design towards something bizarrely "other". They forgot their roots as a motorcycle company and became yet another bloated, over-stylized-design dependent company. After Consumer Reports took the Civic off their Recommended list, I knew they were in serious trouble. Then the announcement that they would be using a GM platform for their EV's? Oh my. That's a sign of the End Times truly arriving for Honda. It's such a shame to see what was once a world-class manufacturer fall from grace so slowly and steadily. We all saw it coming, but somehow nobody inside the company could right the ship. Their last chance at redemption was the transition to EVs, and they've completely blown it there as well. So long, Honda, and thanks for the memories.

[@johannbrauer9285]

This would have been an acceptable approach 10 years ago, but not anymore. Sad to see Honda go this way.

[@williammeek4078]

Even 5 years ago, but today? No.

[@tedecker3792]

Bean counters have killed many good companies.

[@jemtec1]

As a whole, using a modified ICE platform never allows for the space advantages that go along with a ground up electric design. Clearly with this particular Honda, they were looking at cost savings and that the public would just go along with a potentially bad design that may or maynot be a problem for real world customers. They aren’t the only company doing this, but its a shame its happening.

[@johndair2116]

Without complete embrace of BEV and a dedicated architecture, Honda risks being drowned in a sea of much better vehicles for buyers to choose from. Jaguar learned a bitter lesson by not listening, their car of the year vanished without a trace in just twelve months.

[@Tyreman22]

Not an ice platform, It only carries over the doors from the HRV. It’s a new platform for the next up and coming cars.

[@hedydd2]

Honda is disappearing up its own backside in Europe also. They just don’t have the engineering or design flair any longer. They lost their mojo over twenty years ago and have gone downhill ever since but particularly over the last five years. The slippery slope ends in a shear drop.

[@peterhirt991]

Technically to put the battery in an appropriate protection shell and then underneath the car might not be such a bad idea, all others manufacturers do the same basically. Visually you don't care so much. There are so many EVs around with stylistically much worse approaches. Hence with such a nice interior, why not at the end?

[@casperhansen826]

things to look for in new BEVs: 1. No gear tunnel 2. A frunk of reasonable size, good for charging cables etc. 3. Charging speed both AC and DC. 4. Range should at least be double your daily commute, but 250 miles or more is preferable if you are going on a longer trip with it. 5. All the other things you would look for in normal cars.

[@bulkmailbullseye70]

Great find, Sam. This reminds painfully when GM diesel-retrofitted several Oldsmobile sedans in the late 70s/early 80s. Disastrous results.

[@johndair2116]

Honda is an ICE brand that’s rapidly disappearing off buyers radars, it’s not too hard to see where Tesla is making ground and gaining market share….

[@fookorf]

Teslas are shoddily built overpriced crap like most American cars. You're hardly comparing like for like.

[@eddiegaltek]

Most legacy car makers are "half-arseing" it most of the time.

[@moony2703]

My concern is: how safe is it to do this? and will the battery catch on fire* etc. if you hit the bottom of the vehicle? Particually given the bottom of the vehicle likely has far lower ground clearance now which may or may not have been fully accounted for, both for safety purposes and how it effects driver experience. *I’m going with the assumption most legacy auto aren’t using blade battery quality type standards here.

[@waltersutton9643]

Honda , being the innovative great company it always has been , will use this model as a testing vehicle , for greater cars to come .

[@antonthompson7838]

Yeah this looks like a Honda HRV it’s the new one for 2022, and I definitely would not buy it because it flies in the face of all the benefits of a EV so a transmission tunnel is a definite deal breaker and the fact that there is less interior space and even though it has a massive hood it probably doesn’t have a frunk, and last of all because it’s not a built from the ground up EV it could negatively affect its worth when it comes to selling it!

[@clcheatw]

This poor engineering from Honda doesn’t surprise me with the experience I’ve had with my current Honda Passport. Honda refuses to recognize they have issues with the Passport. Therefore, I went elsewhere for my next vehicle. Ford Mustang Mach-E ordered.

[@fookorf]

Yup you went from a manufacturer renowned for reliabiilty to Ford renowned for producing mostly unreliable shite.

[@FutureSystem738]

Why on earth a Mach-E and not a Tesla? (Our 2.5 year old Model 3 is purrrfect.)

[@silentjohn80]

I bought Polestar 2 a few months ago. It's built on an ICE-platform (same platform as used for Volvo XC40), but I still think it's a nice car.

[@frankneser6055]

The Honda e is very nice looking and has a great interior. But the e is just a marketing stunt, not a serious contender. Assumedly, Honda is losing money with each car sold. Now, someone in the top floor of Honda headquarters must have shouted: "we need EVs to compete!", and then this happened. Honda is doomed.

[@fookorf]

Talk about hyperbole.

[@santosh911]

This is very clearly the latest model Honda hrv/Vezel. So spot on for calling it out.

[@joemartino6976]

I plan on buying the BMW i4.....basically an electric 4 series. Reviews have been great across the board, particularly referencing the quality of the driving experience. My local dealer will sell it with no gimmicks, $53K including the federal tax credit. That's $10K less than a Model Y. And we are currently installing a 10.5K solar array at home, where the overwhelming bulk of charging will take place. Sure, I would prefer a clean sheet skate board e-chassis, but, this works for me.

[@redo3138]

I dont know shit about ev market etc, but I do know that the Honda E is fucking great. Had one for a few months and it's awesome. The only not awesome thing would be the rear door handles, but can live with those.

[@jimtoomey9522]

Excellent information, sad honestly… I bought my wife a 2006 Honda when she became pregnant, her earlier car was a hazard 😎. We kept that Honda running reliably since 2006. It has been a fine car and has seen many adventures over the 16 years. We will be trading it in on a model Y soon. I am reasonably confident the Tesla will last a very long time too! By the way excellent music (Qismat - Monu Music from India) for a calm peaceful sunrise music, thanks for introducing us to the great info and music.

[@stephengunnell5048]

I drove Hondas for 25 years and then they stopped building fun, innovative and reasonably priced cars and started marketing overpriced Toyotas that all looked the same but badged as the great models of the past. But mostly they got rid of all their good dealers and kept only the junk "prestige" dealers. Yeah, irrelevant.

[@jeffbangkok]

Just saw the ad for a Honda Civic HEV here in Bangkok. I've told my wife for a long time I could do our 02 CRV in electric and now Honda must have heard me. Somebody please sell me the kit to do so. The body on ours is perfect.

[@skipondowntheroad5833]

Is the Ora Cat and other Chinese EVs available in Thailand now?

[@Waters-fo6rn]

@@skipondowntheroad5833 yes GWM ORA Good Cat has been available since about Nov / Dec 2021. There are some Hybrids like Nissan Kick & MG ZS, HS & assorted BMW etc. Also eletric Mini'& Hyundai Kona's . There is more choice in Bangkok than most Provinces. Thai Govt is offering manufactures incentives. The GWM ORA recently had a ฿160,500 reduction in price. Reduction is approx $AUD6,400 Some of the promotiion for MG are more but they'e much more expensive here. GWM ORA Good Cat GT apparently made an appearance at the Bangkok Motor Show, No fim indication to my knowledge as to when that wil hit the showroom floor here

[@Webin88]

It's a budget Honda HRV designed for the Asian market, and converted to carry the battery pack hanging in its belly.

[@franciscoshi1968]

so why do FWD cars have a transmission tunnel even if the rear wheels are not driven and the car does not have a RWD or AWD version? It seems to me the "transmission tunnel" may not be for transmission.

[@Blank00]

It's for the exhaust pipe

[@franciscoshi1968]

@@benjaminsmith2287 the cars I am thinking about are cheap cars that didn't have an AWD option. It appears to me that what we think of as a transmission tunnel may be used to give the floor strength.

[@franciscoshi1968]

@@Blank00 There is plenty of space for the exhaust pipe to go another way. If it was for the exhaust pipe it would be a tiny bump.

[@KeyhanHadjari]

Volvo CMA plattform is the same and is used for Polestar 2 which is a pretty good electric car. Its transmission tunnel is packed with batteries. And as you said Mercedes and BMW do the same so why is it so horrific?

[@rustamabaskanov]

I have HONDA ENS1 (bought in May 2023). Two main problems. (1) RANGE diminishes after each charge , it is so bad, need to remove accum just to clear off - driving history and get back the initial range (2) electronically HONDA locked battery capacity to 80% or even less, just to "hide" degradation of battery. I am loyal client i need all 100% of battery capacity and i agree with all other issues. Totally unsatisfied. Do not recommend. Buy BYD Song+ Champion Edition 2023 or Honor 2024 and enjoy

[@edwardkon939]

The Japanese automakers are still trapped in thier ICE technology, hence their half-hearted response to electrification.

[@Blank00]

That interior though! I've been praising Honda for keeping clinate controls in a separate section of hard buttons for Honda's other models like the e and Civic. That's a very ergonomical design with good redundancy. But this interior? Ergonomics and redundancy has gone out the door for this one. I hope that that EV's interior gets criticized harshly so that Honda will have sonething about interior design to consider when the time comes for Honda to meet up with Sony. I love Honda's recent interior designs, but that's because of the Civic, e, and HRV, but definitely not because of this EV's interior. What Honda should dofor the interior of this EV is to cut off the bottom oortion of the center screen and stick in a panel of hard buttons and knobs from the e hatchback to below where the cut happened

[@markrowland1366]

I learn from every visit to your wonderful presintations.

[@chrisfox9263]

How can ANY legacy auto maker explain themselves for being so late to the party?!?! In the mid 1990's, GM, Honda, Toyota & Ford made EV's for the California market, but were not serious. Since 2010, TESLA has taken a shot across legacy auto's bow, warning them to get serious about making EV's or get left behind. Most legacy auto makers will get what they deserve, a mention in the history books!

[@CCR-ew6ke]

If the battery is that low the heat could add to battery degeneration. Remember the Nissan Leaf the first year it came out a decade ago. Maybe I'm wrong but Honda cannot make the same mistake that Nissan fixed the next year....YEARS ago.

[@nefflz]

I would consider the Ssangyong Korando e-motion as my first ev, even though I know it wouldn't be as good as most electric vehicles built from the ground up as an ev

[@nefflz]

Although I may change my tune because of the latest dissapointing news about Ssangyong's supposed new owner and their lack of funds 😔

[@billwedeking7831]

Transition to EVs is like Energy Transition to Renewables. Total commitment is required. It was a great ride, Honda and Exxon, but Adios.

[@John.0z]

If that battery-under solution was offered to me as a part of a kit for converting my car, I would possibly accept it as a cheaper way to own an EV. To use it on a new car says the manufacturer did not even try to optimise the car. After them spending decades trying to optimise their current ICE cars, that is indeed an insult. TBH this is what I now expect from Honda. Having wasted decades on hydrogen, they are now well behind the transition curve.

[@chinmayau]

I think they thought they are making a battery swap system. But deadlines pushed them. Yea, Must be😆

[@karlowen2571]

yes we did a kia E-Soul ,but for Germany that is OK .

[@bobqzzi]

Good video; still hate the outros

[@MrCountrycuz]

I have owned an Acura TSX since 2017 and love this car. I get 30 miles a gallon at 80 miles an hour from Augusta to Atlanta.

[@FalkinerTim]

I drive an MG ZS EV which can be configured as a petrol, EV or PHEV. I and the other owners are very happy with them and were pleased to be able to get into an EV at the price they were selling at. The battery is underneath but as they are an SUV the battery is high enough. I am sure a dedicated EV could be better, for example in range, but the MG ZS EV appears well made and they have given some Australians the chance to get into a good EV at a reasonable price. I think it is legitimate for car companies to adapt petrol cars to EV as a transition measure though I do not like the look of the low battery in the Honda.

[@VbinniaRadek]

I own also own a MG zs ev in the UK and am very happy with it. Difference will be price, the Honda will not be cheap and they will rely on the badge to shift rhem. One overlooked point is being a multi platform design body, parts will be easy to obtain, not restricted to one model.

[@FalkinerTim]

@@VbinniaRadek Yes. In fact that is one advantage with the original front design which shares much with the MG petrol cars.

[@parrottm76262]

So very disappointing. I was a big Honda/Acura fan in the past, but they stopped innovating a few years ago even with their entire line of ICE vehicles.

[@tedecker3792]

Bean counters have killed many good companies. Not the bean counters themselves as much as the higher ups without vision. Honda was a very forward thinking company in the past. In the 60s, one group of engineers designed the Honda50, another group designed the 90, yet another designed the 65. Doing so trained a lot of new engineers. Harley Davidson on the other hand: let’s put a 56 fender together with a 61 tank and a 49 taillight and call it a 72. Honda saw how GM was saving $ on every part and decided that was good. The rest was history.

[@Trekgalaxi]

That's really fuked up. Their leadership should all be fired for presenting garbage like that and then asking people to buy it. Oh hell no.

[@Enoch-Root]

That's pretty awful. I'm a kiwi living in China and am looking at either a Nio or Xpeng P7. Much better than this. Hopefully once Xpeng and Nio get properly set up outside of China the stock price can take off. Of course the risk is the much like with Huawei, if the American government see these Chinese brands start to take significant market share from Tesla, they may step in to try to stop them.

[@kesterbelgrove818]

Hi, so I was really looking forward to this vehicle from Honda. This vehicle is not new, it's the HRV in some markets and the Vezel Asia. We have the (older version) hybrid version and the vehicle is lovely, good price, good enough size on the inside and its premium enough. Things I look for in an electric vehicle would include good range, space, features and a premium feel/look. But one thing we really also need to consider is parts availability, having a gas and hybrid version on the market in our country means that if we get into a fender bender or if we need parts, we don't need to rely on dealerships with high prices or low availability of parts for one-off electric cars. Look at Tesla where even a fender bender could leave you without your car for 6 months plus. I like this car because we already the gas and hybrid versions, so the pool of parts would be greater, and mechanics would already be accustomed to repair.

[@mondotv4216]

For companies like BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Honda and even some BYD vehicles, building a ground up EV means abandoning billions of dollars of investment in ICE platforms, or alternatively spending billions on new production lines. So it’s a bit of a Catch 22. For some I’m sure it’s as simple as build a compromised EV or don’t build an EV at all. It’s not all bad - the Polestar 2 which is built on the XC40 platform is still a great EV, just heavier than it needs to be for the internal space but a better vehicle than some ground up EVs. None of the Japanese companies are serious about EVs yet and they are risking becoming irrelevant.

[@happysporran]

Excellent update. Honda are just bringing it to the UK now, and I'm afraid the first IK reviews are as half-arsed as the car.

[@ashp4251]

I just purchased another hybrid to replace the one I have now which has given me 11 years of trouble free driving. No repairs whatsoever. I made the decision to wait for the next gen electric vehicles after they have some of the bugs and engineering worked out. One of the concerns for me is the battery in the cold climate we live in and some of the things I have been reading about battery replacement costs and poor build qualities on some of the electric vehicles.

[@jackdbur]

Battery replacement is only really an issue in very hot areas or if it freezes in extremely cold conditions. Most of the newer bev's batteries will probably outlast the car. Especially any of the lifepo4 battery packs.

[@lisameers1853]

Honda has just got funding from the Canadian government to upgrade the Alliston plant to build Hybrid CRVs

[@jimbodee4043]

on the plus side it will have a low center of gravity. Although hopefully not vulnerable to impact.

[@FutureSystem738]

ANY battery hanging out the bottom is extremely vulnerable to impact. Period!

[@justanotherguy7798]

VW ID series of vehicles are designed and built from the ground up.

[@davidcoleman3661]

Sensationalist report. Many manufacturers including BMW locate the battery in this position. To claim that you’ve discovered something that no one else has spotted is ridiculous. Anyone when buying this car will notice this and I picked it up from other reviews none of which were as scathing as yours. What’s needed is a more balanced assessment? How does the car handle? Full list of pros and cons? How much is it likely to cost? Honda are renowned for making reliable cars that many over 60s love. I cannot see anything here that would put me off buying one subject to reasonable pricing.

[@arnie2103]

Please make a video as to why Honda brand collapsed in Austrialia, here in the US it's still has a strong presence as an ICE car.

[@michaelmourek3879]

The key is the battery - the batteries are changing FAST - so be careful - as Tesla has a PE ratio of 230 - and GM. Ford, Stallantis & Toyota are all under 10 PE ratio - good time to buy a Straddle on the Tesla Stock UP and Down - the movement can be BIG - don't gamble

[@LegendaryInfortainment]

As expected, another insightful and most excellent production. It appears that Honda may also succumb to ICEmaker disease and either wither away and die, or whimper loudly while ultimately dying anyway.

[@aaabbb7734]

Honda has been the world's largest engine manufacturer, so starting with battery cars is hard/boring

[@af7567]

Don't all the EV cars have the batteries located on the bottom.

[@FutureSystem738]

The Hyundai Kona EV is the same- battery poking out the bottom. It would be extremely likely to strike any road debris.

[@michaelmourek3879]

Honda is working with GM and Sony - and I just saw a very nice EV Honda in Florida - wtf

[@theproffessional9]

To be honest Honda's biggest embarrassment on the EV side is the clarity EV

[@brottochstraff]

I think its a bit to harsh. We have a lot of EV-s thar based off a ICE platform. Kona, E-Niro, MG5 and many more, all great cars. Most ppl will drive around the city and could not care less where the battery pack is. As long as price vs range and size is good. E-Niro sold like ice-cream on a sunny day back in 2021. I have tried the BYD Atto 3 and its a piece of plastic junk compared to the old E-Nero to be honest, even though its platform is built from the ground up as an EV. Ppl care about what they can touch and feel alot. Chinese cars really need to get their shit together when it comes to interior and onboard computers and infotainment (its a total bug-fest on all MG, BYD, Aiways and more )

[@Mephistus1]

The Samurais are turning over in their graves.

[@Donster888]

Mr Viking why are you quoting in Horsepower? should be in KWh ?

[@ivankuljis1780]

Honda, once mighty is now atrocious! 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' They don't seem to have the gist of it!

[@heater5979]

Well, it does not sound so attractive. But if slapping electric motors and batteries on an old ICE body design actually delivers the goods in terms of power, range, space available, etc, then why not? There is growing industry in electrifying "classic" cars that can actually make the cars better than it was with its old ICE power. No idea how well Honda have done here though.

[@michaelmourek3879]

Honda is working with GM and Sony - so be careful - they are waiting - on battery development - to improve -

[@barrypollack2079]

I don't know how the charging infrastructure is in other parts of the world but, in North America, Tesla charging stations are much more reliable and convenient than for other cars. I'm sure it will get better in the future but for now you can either buy a Tesla and put up with what is reported to be indifferent customer service or a different brand EV and put up with slow and unreliable chargers that may not even be available on off hours because they are locked inside a parking garage or dealership. If you don't have an early adopter attitude it's best to stay away from EV's for another few years in the USA.

[@raymondchadwick3577]

Tesla Tesla Tesla

[@richardgoldsmith7278]

Not good if the battery gets punctured the first time you encounter a bit of angle iron debris on the road, even if you’re lucky and it doesn’t go up in flames, because it will be dead as a dodo.

[@fookorf]

yeah because fuel tanks don't have the same issue...

[@hansscott9749]

Would I buy it? Nope, nada, never. Honda has gone a long way, unfortunately down.

[@scooter6106]

I like the base car chosen, the BRV, interior is nice, for 32k. Not bad, c'mon. But seeing the battery even from the side is a no no Honda

[@jgmallin7080]

I would not buy this. They are just using the regular assembly line, just changing the drive line to a electric motor. Ha, they will probably keep the transmission .haha. adding the battery below, is just proof they are not changing the models. Same assembly line, options: ICE or electro motor

[@steven0654]

Every electric car in the UK battery location is underneath the car so what's the big deal where the battery is located and remember this is a China version the new version is the eny1 which is getting a refresh from the China version to suit the European market and it won't be built in China but in Japan if this suv comes in between £30000 - £35000 and offers the a range of 310 miles then it will be a game changer cause every other car offering that range is way out of price at over £50000 for top spec model this could be the first budget suv that is affordable and offers not too bad range

[@RWBHere]

Yep. Junk. I wouldn't buy one of those, even if you paid me to.

[@msmith3537]

It’s a tough spot for carmakers. ICE vehicles are not going to disappear as quickly as some people want. Oil is plentiful and the distribution established. Honda appears to be taking a long-game approach. All electric fleets by 2030 or 2035? Give me a break.

[@carlwest859]

Thank You for pointing out a POS Back to the realistic and functional drawing board men.

[@222INFINITY]

People lined up at charging stations, 50 or more deep, we need more power Scotty .............. I'm given er all I got Captain "F-off"!!!!!!!

[@michaelmourek3879]

Technology is changing FAST - so be careful - Tesla will have lots of competition -

[@paulkearsley9509]

No, I would not buy any car, that is an ICE car with batteries

[@gene4390]

Honda said a few days ago that they were building a low cost EV with GM (GM will build them in their factories for Honda) in the $20k-$30k range. What you heard of this?

[@Keen451]

Hi Sam, thanks for all the grate video’s. 💪 I have a question for you. What can you tell us about the safety ratings for all the new Chinese EV’s coming to Europe. Are they good or bad?

[@TecnamTwin]

They are on the level of American and European brands in safety now; no more death boxes unless you get a cheap microcar.

[@EnVi99]

Nope, they are crappy self-combusting shitboxes with near to 0 quality checks before delivery. And that is why everybody loves China and their huge production power - cheap stuff makes bigger profit margins. We as customers are the beta testers for the bright new future of auto motoring.

[@gornovshatyan1683]

Someone knows where is the Sim Card Slot in the car?

[@franknicholasdale918]

Well very interesting, would be better if you could give hands on experience of driving and it’s features when passing such a judgment.

[@darknessislight3689]

Honda lost their way years ago 🪦 the design language is definitely off and those darn CVT transmission 🤢

[@michaelmourek3879]

Elon Musk is testing Lucid Cars - with a 500 mile range -

[@airdad5383]

Honda couldn't build a proper hybrid car either so how would they be able to build an EV. In the Civic hybrid batteries used to fail after 50000 km when Prius would go 350000 km or more before the battery needed work. Honda is finished, they need to stick to motorcycles and garden tools.

[@b_lumenkraft]

The only EV that is not an ICE car in concept is the Aptera. People need to understand, if it has a huge space where the motor goes at the front of the car, that is not designed as an EV. Because a real EV has its motors in the wheels!

[@happo_time]

Honda EV's - Not too Slow, Not too Fast - Half-Assed

[@angelmatos9143]

They have the 'ICE anchor syndrome'. Legacy auto companies are making 'concept car EV's' basically believing that people will come back to gasoline.

[@hansscott9749]

More of a prayer than a belief

[@michaelmourek3879]

What happened to my Tesla Cyber Truck, that I ordered over 1 year ago?

[@stevemiller2210]

Either do it correctly or get out of the way

[@yohancerodriguez6600]

I actually don’t mind an electric vehicle that gives me leg room where my knees are not in my chest. So this car may be for me.

[@frankcoffey]

Japanese auto makers are so angry they "have" to start making EVs they won't even give them a name. The term kicking and screaming applies here, they are throwing a hissy fit. Toyota even have the experimental hydrogen car the name Mirai but their EV just gets some weird model number.

[@douglasreid6160]

It's called a hack job. Desperate move to stay in the game. Sure to be rectified soon

[@Hiker8886]

Funny how Honda is expanding their factory in Ontario Canada to produce more ICE cars!

[@picandvideo]

Honda hybrid has not done well in USA market since first model.

[@philgalpin9284]

Would I buy it? Yes, for half the price!

[@nefflz]

Atleast the Honda ev shouldn't have a high floor unlike most built for purpose evs

[@carlomaeon2770]

I think the Japan market not want EV cars, they have a great structere for electric trains and Metro. No place for a EV car. Still on hybrid cars

[@BarryObaminable]

Probably honda trying to keep a hold of their ice sales

[@lyubotopa]

Honda are the largest manufacturer of combustion engines by volume. Transitioning to electric will be close to impossible for them - surely it will not be financially viable. So it seems they will simply milk the brand as much as possible and then sell it off... Shame, my 2007 Jazz/Fit was amazing, it even saved my butt in a pretty serious crash. However, I don't see myself getting another Honda in the foreseeable future, new or second hand.

[@johnhetherington8830]

If Honda can get this to market in the USA before the others they'll sell, will they be subject to the duty on Chinese products? You don't know do you?