Many people say that larger equals safer when it comes to vehicles, and is the argument that sells bonkers-big SUVs and trucks. However, this snub-nosed N-VAN e: is loaded with safety features, including Honda’s Sensing driver assistance package on the trims designed for passengers — as opposed to freight, more on this, below.
The updated Sensing array of features has added technology we thought was needed, and more. On some electric N-VANs it includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering — with visual and audible alarms, plus steering assist — Traffic Sign Recognition, Unintended Acceleration Mitigation (to prevent parking garage wall hits), and Auto High Beam Headlights that lower for oncoming cars.
It also has clever adaptations to help its batteries, including cooling and warming them when needed, so they charge faster and lose less range to cold weather. Another battery feature is bi-directional charging, so owners can use the volts to power something outside the vehicle.
The Honda Total Care smartphone app opens up even more flexibility in charging and discharging. The app can set the time of day to charge, avoiding peak energy pricing.. It can limit the electric current that charges the EV, to stay within the household’s capacity. And, it can limit the maximum charge or discharge (when batteries are used to power string lights, for example) so owners have enough charge to drive.
Despite the van being rather basic in form, the Honda app adds creature comforts, too. Enter the planned departure time and the N-VAN will pre-cool its interior so passengers won’t bake when they step inside on a hot day.
