Honda Ye P7 dual-motor EV shows automaker seriousness

The first of Honda’s three new electric cars for China looks very attractive and ready to take on local rivals

In Western markets, Honda lags behind some rivals in the race to develop and launch compelling battery-electric vehicles. However, it has been more responsive to market trends in China, where it is launching the first of three new electric cars.

The crossover is called the Ye P7 and was unveiled in April alongside the Ye S7 crossover and low-slung sedan Ye GT Concept. Here are our first images of the production Ye P7, and thanks to China’s trusty Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, we now know some additional technical details about the model.

Honda will jointly produce the Ye P7 with local joint venture partner Guangzhou Automobile Group. It is 4,750 mm (187 inches) long, 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) wide, 1,625 mm (63.9 inches) high, and has a wheelbase of 2,930 mm (115.3 inches). The new Honda electric vehicle weighs 2,305 kilograms (5,081 pounds) and comes standard with large 21-inch wheels.

The battery pack is a lithium-ion battery from CATL. While we don’t know the capacity of that battery yet, we do know that it powers a 201-horsepower (150-kilowatt) front motor and a 268-horsepower (200-kilowatt) rear motor. That’s enough to propel the Ye P7 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, making it significantly quicker than the Civic Type R.

Visually, Honda appears to have taken inspiration from the likes of the Ferrari Purosangue and Toyota Crown Sport, with lobster-claw-shaped LED headlights and light bars. The hood is very visible, with bulges on both sides that neatly extend to the base of the A-pillars.

Square, gloss-black fenders and angular skirts add to the crossover’s rugged appearance. One surprising feature that made it from the concept model into production is the rear door cameras that replace the traditional rearview mirrors. Body-flush door handles are also standard.

Turning to the rear of the car, the LED taillights perfectly match the headlights. There’s also a large Honda badge and plenty of gloss black elements.

The photos don’t show the Ye P7’s interior, but the concept’s cabin looks very close to production status. It includes a huge central touchscreen display that houses all the important settings, including HVAC controls. It also comes with a wireless phone charging pad and a dedicated digital instrument cluster on top of the dashboard.