Honda unveiled its first electric kei car for passengers, the N-ONE e, on Thursday, priced from just over $18,000, as the Japanese automaker seeks to capture a share of the growing mini-EV segment.
The compact EV, based on the current gas-powered N-ONE, will go on sale in Japan on Sept. 12 starting at 2.7 million yen ($18,300). It follows the launch of Honda’s N-VAN e last year but is aimed at passenger use rather than commercial buyers.
Powered by a 29.6 kWh battery, the N-ONE e delivers what Honda described as a “class-leading range” of up to 295 km (183 miles). That exceeds the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s best-selling electric car, which has a WLTP range of up to 180 km (112 miles).
Although its range is modest compared with larger EVs, Honda said the model was designed to meet daily commuting needs in Japan. Engineers developed a thinner battery pack that lies flat beneath the floor to maximize interior space.
Honda already leads the kei car market with the N-Box, the country’s best-selling vehicle. With mini EVs accounting for around 40% of new car sales in Japan, the automaker expects the N-ONE e to bolster its position as rivals including BYD and Toyota prepare to enter the segment.
