Rahul Somvanshi
Honda’s latest push into China’s electric vehicle market comes with a fresh lineup called the Ye (烨) Series. The automaker aims for 100% EV sales in China by 2035, starting with its first models – the P7 and S7 SUVs, followed by two GT variants.
The Current Lineup and Specs
The P7 and S7 are mid-size SUVs built by Honda’s Chinese partners GAC and Dongfeng respectively. The S7 measures 4750mm long, 1930mm wide, and 1625mm tall, with a 2930mm wheelbase. It packs an 89.8 kWh CATL battery, delivering up to 620 km range (CLTC) in the all-wheel-drive version with 350 kW (469 hp) output.
Pricing starts at 199,900 yuan ($27,200) for the base rear-wheel-drive P7. Both models offer single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations.
Tech Partnerships Drive Innovation
Honda’s partnering with Chinese tech firms shows a shift in strategy. CATL will co-develop a new platform integrating battery cells directly into the vehicle structure. They’re also working on lower-cost LFP batteries for future models.
For autonomous driving, Honda teamed up with Momenta to create an AI-based system that works without high-definition maps. DeepSeek AI will provide in-car technology across all Ye models, including updates for existing vehicles.
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Market Reality Check
“We will leverage Chinese technologies to swiftly deliver products that meet the expectations of customers in China where technological innovations in the areas of electrification and intelligence are advancing rapidly,” states Honda in their April 23 announcement.
The GT models, revealed at Auto Shanghai 2025, showcase distinct styling approaches. GAC’s version emphasizes “seamless, sophisticated and smart sense,” while Dongfeng’s GT aims for “emotional sense of the future.”
Inside, drivers get a racing-inspired cockpit, while front passengers enjoy a far-focus display system for an enhanced viewing experience.
Production and Timeline
- P7 and S7: Market launch by end of 2024
- GT Models: Sales planned before end of 2025
- Next-generation EVs feature a new “H” logo
- Dongfeng Honda opened a dedicated EV plant in Wuhan
Missing Pieces
Several key details remain unclear:
- GT models’ battery capacity and range
- Charging speeds and infrastructure plans
- Complete pricing structure across all variants
- Specific safety features and ratings
- Production capacity at the new Wuhan facility
Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This Chinese EV initiative represents a crucial step toward that goal in China’s EV market.
