UrbanEV
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Take a peek at Honda's Urban EV dashboard
Honda's upcoming Urban EV is one of the most highly anticipated vehicles being shown off at the Geneva Motor Show next month. As the spiritual (and technological) successor to the venerated Civic hatchback, the Urban EV will reportedly sport a suite of high tech toys, features, and functionality when it goes on sale in the near future (only in Europe, unfortunately). Honda's been dribbling details about the vehicle for more than a year now and -- just in time for Geneva -- has revealed what its dash and instrument cluster will look like. As you can see in the image above, the Urban EV's split instrument cluster will offer what are quickly becoming the standard features for smart vehicles and EVs: Navigation, hands-free calling, a (presumably voice activated) personal assistant, smartphone connectivity, and an array of various EV system statuses. Driver's will also have access to USB, Bluetooth, and even HDMI inputs as well. But perhaps the most exciting feature shown in the teaser image is located on the faux-wood panel immediately below screens. No, not the parking brake button -- it's the volume knob and audio power button that recently returned to new Civics and Accords. Trying to adjust the volume or turn the radio off when either of those functions are virtualized on a touchscreen (looking at you, Tesla) isn't just a pain, it creates a needless distraction when you're driving. By opting for a physical, haptic interface, Honda makes it easier to futz with the sound system without taking your eyes off the road. We'll have full coverage of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show when it opens in March so stay tuned, everybody.
Honda will show off a new EV prototype in March
When Honda first revealed the Urban EV in September 2017, the car's cute retro design generated a ton of interest. It wasn't the final design, though it seems we won't have to wait too long to find out exactly what the vehicle will look like when it goes on sale. The Japanese manufacturer has released a sketch of the new prototype model it says will be shown off at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Honda's Urban EV pre-orders start in early 2019
Honda said it wanted to sell its Urban EV Concept sometime in 2019, and now it's official. The automaker has announced that it will start taking orders for a production version of the tiny retro electric car in early 2019, with a European launch in late 2019. There's no mention of launches in other areas, or an official version of the Sports EV Concept.
Nissan's showing off the Pivo 3, another EV-concept we wish it'd sell us (video)
Nissan's unveiled the Pivo 3, the latest version in the formerly egg-shaped Pivo line of Concept EVs. Ditching the spherical, independently moving cabin for a boxier, sharper look, the zero-emission car retains the roomy 1+2 configuration of it's forebears (all the better to pretend you're driving a McClaren F1) and motors mounted on each of the wheels. It's designed for the urban environment, with a tiny four-meter turning circle and automatic parking (it'll also come to you if you summon it with a smartphone). As much as we want one of these on our driveway, the company is still pondering putting it into production, and if it does arrive, it won't be until 2017 at the earliest, by which point we'll all be riding Rynos. Watch footage of the car in action, including it's snapping turning abilities at the video we've got for you after the break.
