Honda teases new electric vehicle prototype ahead of Geneva reveal

Honda has teased a new electric vehicle prototype, which is due to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

A sketch of the car shows a machine heavily inspired by the well-received Urban EV Concept of 2017 — with similar compact dimensions, and a distinctive front fascia. A production model will go on sale later in 2019.

Little else is known about the car, although it’s possible it could carry over some advanced features showcased on the Urban EV Concept — which takes inspiration from the original Civic. These include LED lighting which can display messages on the grille in different languages, rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors and a large panoramic display screen that takes centre stage on the dashboard.

The sketch also appears to show wing-mounted cameras in place of traditional mirrors — hinting they could appear on a production version of the yet-to-be-named car. Audi debuted similar technology at the end of last year on its all-electric e-tron SUV as an optional extra.

This new electric vehicle is part of Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’ — a commitment from the firm to have electrified vehicles accounting for two thirds of its European sales by 2025. Currently, Honda’s sole electrified offering in Europe at present is the CR-V Hybrid.

It’s possible an electric sports car could follow this new electric vehicle from Honda. Shortly after revealing the Urban EV Concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the firm showcased the Sports EV Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show — which boasted a look similar to the city car. Should it reach production, it would be the first mid-range sports car from Honda since the S2000 bowed out in 2009.