The Honda S7 is produced by Dongfeng, considered one of Honda’s companions in China. It affords choices for both rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), powered by an 89.8 kWh battery. The beginning value of the S7 is roughly $36,000, making it barely extra reasonably priced than the comparable Tesla Mannequin Y obtainable in China.
China’s electrical car (EV) market has been thriving, posing challenges for established Western producers who’ve seen a decline of their market share. Whereas some manufacturers are exiting the Chinese language market to mitigate losses, others are re-entering. Honda, as an illustration, is making one other try on this fiercely aggressive EV house with the introduction of the S7.
The Honda S7 was beforehand showcased on the Beijing Auto Present the place it was initially related to a subbrand known as Ye, a reputation later dropped as a consequence of its affiliation with Kanye West. Now, it merely goes by the identify S7. This mannequin is produced by Dongfeng-Honda, whereas its counterpart, the P7, will come from GAC, Honda’s different three way partnership companion in China.
The S7 is constructed on the “e:N Structure W” platform, which differs from the brand new EV platform getting used for Honda’s 0 Sequence prototypes. It is going to be obtainable in each dual-motor AWD and single-motor RWD configurations, supported by the identical 89.8 kWh NMC battery. In keeping with the Chinese language CLTC cycle, the car can journey as much as 404 miles (650 km) on a single cost. The only-motor model delivers 268 horsepower, whereas the dual-motor model has a formidable 469 hp. With a size of 187 inches, the S7 is barely shorter than the 192-inch Prologue.
What stands out most is the S7’s aggressive pricing. The bottom RWD mannequin is priced at 259,900 CNY, roughly $36,000. Whereas Chinese language pricing would not instantly correspond to U.S. pricing, this positions the S7 favorably towards different EV crossovers. As an illustration, the up to date Tesla Mannequin Y prices 263,500 CNY ($36,200) and affords a decrease vary of 368 miles (598 km) in comparison with the S7. Honda appears to have crafted an EV well-suited for the Chinese language market.
Nevertheless, it’s disappointing that Honda has no intentions of introducing the S7 to the U.S. market. The Prologue serves as a brief resolution to maintain Honda’s identify related amongst EV patrons, but it surely doesn’t actually mirror Honda’s id. Though it resembles different Honda fashions, it behaves extra like a GM product.
There are important boundaries stopping the Honda S7 from being bought within the U.S., together with its Degree 2 autonomous driving options seemingly sourced from Huawei, which might be problematic within the American market. The producer of the car’s battery can also be unsure however is probably going a Chinese language provider, complicating eligibility for tax credit and additional affected by tariff rules.
It raises the query of whether or not it could have been extra strategic for Honda to provide the S7 in different areas. For instance, manufacturing the S7 at Honda’s Ohio EV hub might need been a viable choice. Whereas the 0 Saloon has its enchantment, its larger value level might restrict its general market acceptance. A Honda-made EV, just like the S7, priced competitively with the Tesla Mannequin Y might have been a big success. Though it appears easy to supply compliant parts and implement Honda’s software program, the fact is extra complicated.
If Honda hopes to determine itself within the EV market, it should act extra swiftly. It is unlucky that the Honda S7 will not be obtainable in American dealerships concurrently with its launch in China.
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