Main Points to Note
- A new sedan, named Lingxi L, with a range of 322 miles is introduced through the collaboration between Honda and Dongfeng.
- The sedan features a sleek design inspired by the Kia K4.
- Honda’s goal is to invest $65 billion in electric vehicles by 2030, with a target of producing over 2 million EVs each year.
The recent partnership between Honda and Dongfeng has unveiled a new electric car for the Chinese market, which includes commendable specifications in a compact form. Particularly noteworthy is the claim by the brand that this sedan can cover a distance of 322 miles on a single charge according to CLTC standards, equivalent to approximately 240 miles based on the EPA cycle.
Honda
The Japanese car manufacturer Honda emerged after the Second World War and initially focused on producing motorcycles, later expanding to introduce its first car, the T360 kei truck, in 1963. Its founder Soichiro Honda targeted the American market as a crucial destination, resulting in the creation of iconic models like the Civic and Accord, which have become best-selling passenger cars in America. Presently, Honda vehicles are esteemed for their safety, functionality, and dependability, with some models like the Civic Type R adding a touch of performance.
- Established
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24 September 1948
- Founder
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Soichiro Honda
- Headquarters
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Hamamatsu, Japan
- Ownership
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Publicly Traded
- Current CEO
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Toshihiro Mibe
The collaboration between Honda and Dongfeng dates back to 2003, leading to the release of numerous models exclusively for the Chinese market. As reported by CarNewsChina, the new sedan named L is the first electric vehicle under the joint Lingxi brand. This move helps fulfill the two companies’ pledge to have half of their models as EVs by 2025 and discontinue the release of combustion engine models after 2027.
Aesthetics And Functionality
The sedan adopts a conservative design approach, showcasing a dual-tone paint finish with a traditional sedan shape. The overall structure evokes thoughts similar to the latest Kia K4. An intriguing aspect of the front design is the elongated vertical LED lighting strip spanning the hood, complemented by horizontal LED lights on the grille merging at the logo, creating a distinctive appearance.
The sides display multiple angles with minimal features except for the sleek side-view cameras. Moving to the rear, the lighting components unite on both ends akin to the Subaru WRX, connected by a light strip, reminiscent of the K4 once again.
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Power originates from a small 59.22 kWh battery pack with a lone 215-horsepower electric motor towards the front, capable of reaching speeds of up to 99 mph. This level of performance is akin to the freshly showcased Kia EV3, although the latter boasts superior range and marginally higher top speed.
The interior images reveal a minimalist layout with expansive screens spanning the dashboard’s length, similar to the latest Lincoln Navigator. If you seek a vehicle that can be disconnected from power, this model is not the one for you.
Honda’s EV Strategy
The company has unveiled numerous fresh electric offerings for the Chinese market in recent years, such as the e:N Series. If Honda could navigate around the new tariffs, we would gladly welcome many of these models in the US.
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The EV can also travel 746 miles on a single charge with a range extender.
Honda recently declared its intention to invest $65 billion in electric vehicles by 2030, doubling its previous commitment from a few years ago due to the projected substantial growth in the EV sector by the decade’s end. By then, the company aims to manufacture over 2 million EVs annually by enhancing supply chains and reducing battery production costs.
In the foreseeable future, Honda aims to start producing EVs in the US beginning next year to complement the Mexico-made Prologue. Its collaborative venture with Sony might lead to the Afeela brand being manufactured in the US, marking Sony’s initial venture into the automotive realm.
Source: CarNewsChina