No relation to Kanye, Honda Ye EVs displayed in China with sales to begin at the end of 2024

With Honda announcing its aim to offer only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in China by 2035, the Big H introduced the Ye Series of BEVs which are exclusive to the world’s largest consumer of cars for now.

Named after the Chinese character “烨” which means “shine brilliantly”, Honda displayed three of its upcoming models at the ongoing Auto China 2024 in Beijing. The three models consist of two SUVs and a sedan with the former two expected for launch at the end of 2024.

The Ye P7 and Ye S7 are the first models in the Ye Series and will be sold and produced by both of Honda’s Chinese joint venture partners. The P7 will be handled by GAC Honda while the S7 will be sold by Dongfeng Honda.

Both have distinctive exterior designs to tell each other apart but the interior and the technology used will be shared between the two models. The Ye SUVs are built on a brand-new EV-dedicated platform called Architecture W and will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive electric powertrains.

Details on the electric motors and range will only be revealed closer to their launch. The Ye SUVs also feature a double wishbone suspension on the front and a multi-link rear suspension.

The Ye SUVs are also meant to be more premium than the e:N Series with video feeds instead of traditional side mirrors, an even more minimal dashboard design with a large portrait-sized touchscreen infotainment unit as the main control centre, as well as doors that open and close automatically with a touch of a button.

Dimension figures are not revealed yet but the Ye SUVs are a little bit larger than the Honda CR-V in appearance.

While the Ye SUV twins on display are close to production-ready, the red Ye GT is a show car for now but it is planned to be launched in 2025. The sporty electric sedan is Honda’s answer to the likes of the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3 with slim taillights, side cameras, and forged carbon trims.

The GT’s interior looks straight out of a video game with a hexagonal yoke steering wheel, red and black upholstery and trims as well as Huawei co-developed screens for the driver, the centre console, and front passenger.

Honda describes the GT’s interior as a “racing cockpit” design to stimulate driving passion and enhance sportiness. No further details are revealed for the Ye GT but as seen on the Ye P7/S7, the side cameras and the overall shape of the car could be carried into production.