In October, Honda announced plans to launch five new EVs in China under its new e:N Series of battery-powered models.
And today, I came across a video that deeply disturbed me, to the point that I’m actually happy I hadn’t seen it until now.
Let me explain how these two are related.
When I first heard of Honda’s new e:N Series, I was very excited. The next-gen electric cars will use the e:N Architecture, an exclusively developed EV platform, they will come with the enhanced e:N OS, and they will feature a new design identity.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
At the Guangzhou Auto Show last month, Honda not only showcased the first two vehicles of the lineup, the e:NS1 and e:NP1, but also brought along three e:N Series concept cars: an SUV, a GT, and a coupe.
Did I go to the auto show to see the cars in person? No, I didn’t. I also didn’t pay too much attention to the photos of the concept cars, as I was mostly interested in the two first models that will go on sale in 2022.
But today… the e:N SUV concept really grabbed my attention after watching the video bellow:
Why, Honda, WHY?
Well, the vehicle looks disturbingly familiar. It’s terrifyingly similar to Tesla’s Cybertruck — the world’s ugliest vehicle EVER.
Look at the Cybertruck:
And look again at the e:N SUV concept:
It has the same sharp edges and aggressive lines, the extravagant glasshouse, and the unshapely extended tail end. When Honda promised a new design identity, this is not at all what I had in mind…
Yes, it’s slightly more elegant than Tesla’s creation, but that’s not such a big accomplishment. Everything is more elegant compared to the Cybertruck.
But at least, there is some hope. The automaker is planning to launch the production variants of the three concept cars within the next five years in China. This gives plenty of time to Honda to change this horrifying design — completely, in my opinion.
Because the world doesn’t need another Cybertruck and we’ve been dealing with too many plagues as it is.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.