On April 16, Honda R&D (China) released its new electric brand “Ye” (Chinese “烨”) in Beijing. The brand plans to launch 6 models in China by 2027. At today’s launch event, Ye also released its latest product: the Ye GT concept car, which is expected to be mass-produced in 2025. In addition, the Ye brand also released the latest P7 and S7 models, which will be available this year and will be produced by Dongfeng-Honda (S7) and GAC-Honda (P7) respectively, and will be launched at the end of the year. At the same time, Honda also said that it will achieve 100% full electrification by 2035.
● Introduction to the new electric brand “Ye”
“Ye” means “brilliant” and “shining” in Chinese language, and aims to “allow drivers to fully enjoy the pleasure of driving, release the deepest desires of the heart, let everyone’s personality shine, and inspire authenticity.” The brand provides three core values: “better driving”, “more fun” and “more style”. The Ye brand is the first in the world to use the new “H” logo exclusively for new generation pure electric vehicles, adopts the new intelligent and efficient pure electric “W” architecture (Architecture W), and plans to launch 6 new Ye brand models by 2027.
The “W” architecture is equipped with a “three-in-one” high-power drive motor and a large-capacity, high-density battery with an integrated die-cast all-aluminum casing. It also adopts a specially designed split isolation battery cooling system to protect the battery safety from multiple aspects, both inside and out.
The “W” architecture provides two drive forms: single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive. Among them, the single-motor rear-wheel drive relies on a high-power rear-drive motor to achieve a front-to-rear weight distribution of 50:50; the dual-motor four-wheel drive relies on two groups of high-power drive motors at the front and rear, matched with electronic suspension, and precisely distributes the front and rear wheel power according to different road conditions and driving needs.
The chassis adopts a suspension form with high setting freedom, front double wishbone and rear five-link suspension. Through sports-level tuning technology, it can better filter out road bumps and reduce body roll during cornering, greatly improving the vehicle’s roll suppression ability.
The “W” architecture provides highly extensible FoD services, which can be used to select various different driving modes or set exclusive functions according to personal preferences, bringing a more exciting and interesting personalized customized driving experience different from daily use.
● First concept car – Ye GT concept car
In terms of appearance, the new car was designed independently by the Chinese R&D team, with an average age of only 32 years old. The overall design of the Ye GT concept car is very dynamic, adopting the design concept of “touching the future”, expressing the pursuit of strength and speed through sharp body lines and a sharp visual effect. Its front face adopts a bar-type light design, combined with electronic exterior rearview mirrors, it looks very technological, and the latest H logo represents the identity of the Ye brand. A large number of Chinese suppliers are involved in the construction of the vehicle, such as CATL‘s batteries, Huawei‘s smart cockpit and iFLYTEK’s voice system.
The interior of the car looks very combat-ready, and it is also more in line with the car purchase needs of young people. The main driver adopts a unique racing cockpit design to enhance the sports atmosphere. The first application of Huawei’s optical field screen on the passenger seat of the car creates a more interesting and high-quality private space through the linkage of sound, light and fragrance devices, supplemented by the red interior style, it looks very distinctive.
● GAC Honda Ye P7, Dongfeng Honda Ye S7
In addition to the concept car, the Ye P7 and Ye S7 also made their official debut at today’s event. These two cars are expected to be produced by Dongfeng Honda (S7) and GAC Honda (P7) respectively. In terms of design, the S7 adopts a three-pronged LED daytime running light, and the front face adopts a trapezoidal style design, which is very technological. The latest H logo of the Ye brand also appears on the car.
The headlight assembly of the P7 adopts a C-shaped design for the front and rear, echoing each other. In the future, the car will be produced by GAC Honda. From the interior point of view, the car is similar in style to the GT concept car, but closer to mass production. The passenger screen is not yet visible. In terms of other configurations, the new car is equipped with a sunroof, in-car headrest speakers, a wireless charging pad, etc.
In terms of powertrain, the new car is available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions, with V exclusive mode and R super driving mode to choose from. The “Ye S7” and “Ye P7” integrate Honda SENSING 360+ and Honda CONNECT 4.0 into the intelligent digital cockpit, combining advanced active AI intelligent technology to provide consumers with a safe and secure driving experience and meticulous personalized services. The new car also makes extensive use of high-strength steel, with hot-stamped steel accounting for more than 24%, and a torsional rigidity of 400,000 Nm/deg.
Conclusion:
The launch of Honda’s new electric brand “Ye” is somewhat unexpected, as Honda’s current new energy layout includes the e:NP brand, which is produced by Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda. At the same time, Dongfeng Honda has also developed the Lingxi brand, focusing on new energy. The newly launched Ye brand has not been well-publicized before, but from the perspective of its launch at the end of the year, it is believed that there will be more news to be released in the future. How will this brand be positioned and differentiated from other Honda-affiliated new energy brands in the future? We will also continue to report on this for you.
