Honda launches new electric vehicle brand Ye

At the brand launch event, Honda brought on stage three models of the new series. The trio of products includes the Dongfeng Honda S7 and GAC Honda P7 expected to launch later this year, as well as the Ye GT concept model that can be produced in 2025.

The Ye series will be sold alongside the e:N series of electric vehicles already in China. Honda has not specified how the two brands will be positioned, but CarNewsChina suggests that the Ye will be a more high-tech electric vehicle product. In addition, the Dongfeng Honda joint venture also launched a new electric vehicle brand Lingxi in 2023. So the context can be confusing for those interested.

The difference between the Ye series and other Honda models is the illuminated H logo, which is also designed differently for the company's next-generation electric vehicles. The Japanese brand said that the Ye uses a pure electric platform specifically developed for the models based on the needs of Chinese users.

The highlight of the event was the Ye GT concept, a grand tourer-style car designed by a Chinese research and development team with an average age of 32. Hidden inside the car were a host of major Chinese suppliers, with CATL batteries, a smart cockpit from Huawei, and a voice control system from AI company iFlytek.

The interior is not too futuristic, but more sporty. The front passenger gets a screen with depth to give the experience of watching a large screen.

As for the other two SUVs, the Donfeng S7 has a more aggressive design with 3-sided LED daytime running lights, while the GAC P7's lights hug the front of the car. Each comes in two versions: a single electric motor version mounted at the rear and a dual-motor version.

The interior features LED lighting controlled by AI technology. There are speakers in the headrests and a wireless charging pad. The Honda Sensing 360 safety package as well as Android phone connectivity with Honda Connect 4.0.

Honda may introduce these three models to the public at the Beijing Auto Show taking place from April 25 to May 4 before being produced by joint ventures in China.

The Japanese automaker plans to launch a total of 10 electric models in China by 2027, including six from the Ye series. Honda believes the transition to electric vehicles is happening very quickly in China, and its growth in the market is part of its goal of becoming an all-electric brand by 2035.