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an affordable electric kei car
Honda has quietly answered the call for more affordable electric vehicles with the new N-ONE e:, a compact electric kei car launched in Japan. Priced from around €15,600, this city-focused electric hatchback brings an unexpectedly large driving range for the mini-EV segment while keeping the practical interior space buyers expect from Honda’s N-series. For drivers searching an affordable EV or an efficient urban commuter, the N-ONE e: delivers a compelling mix of price, range and everyday usability — though for now it remains a Japan-only offering.
Launch, price and availability
Where and when
The N-ONE e: goes on sale in Japan on September 12, positioning itself immediately as one of the most affordable new electric cars in any major market — at least in headline price. Despite rising global new-car averages nearing €44,400, Honda’s compact electric aims to keep city mobility accessible. There’s no official export plan yet, so buyers outside Japan will need to wait or look to other mini-EV options.
Pricing
With a starting price near €15,600, the N-ONE e: undercuts many entry-level EVs and gives buyers a budget-friendly path to electric driving. It targets urban commuters and cost-conscious buyers who want a full electric drivetrain without sacrificing cabin space.
Vehicle specifications and battery
The N-ONE e: shares key hardware with Honda’s light commercial N-VAN e:, including a 29.6 kWh battery pack. Honda claims the compact hatchback achieves up to 295 km on a single charge — a headline figure that stands out in the kei car EV category. That battery is engineered to be slim and flat, allowing it to be packaged beneath the floor so interior room and cargo capacity remain intact.
Key specs (high level):
- Battery: 29.6 kWh lithium-ion
- Claimed range: up to 295 km (single charge)
- Vehicle class: kei car / compact electric hatchback
- Layout: electric motor with underfloor battery pack
These figures make the N-ONE e: a practical urban EV for daily commuting, errands and short trips, while its compact footprint suits narrow streets and tight parking common in dense cities.
Design and interior packaging
The N-ONE e: follows the retro-inspired, friendly styling of the gasoline N-ONE but reworks its architecture to house the EV powertrain. Honda’s engineers prioritized interior space by developing a thinner battery pack that sits completely flat under the floor. The result is preserved headroom, legroom and cargo flexibility — essential qualities for a kei car where clever packaging is a selling point.
Inside, the layout focuses on utility and comfort for city driving. The compact exterior hides a surprisingly roomy cabin, consistent with expectations from the N-series line-up and Honda’s reputation for space-efficient small cars.
Performance and driving experience
As a city car, the N-ONE e: emphasizes efficiency and smooth urban performance over outright speed. The electric motor delivers instant torque suitable for stop-and-go traffic and quick takeoffs from junctions. The substantial range for the segment reduces range anxiety for urban and suburban users, while the efficient battery supports predictable daily use and reduces the frequency of charging.
Market positioning and competition
Honda enters a rapidly intensifying mini-EV market with the N-ONE e:. Its most direct competitor, the Nissan Sakura, manages roughly 180 km of range — significantly less than Honda’s claimed 295 km — giving the N-ONE e: a clear advantage for buyers prioritizing range. Meanwhile, global EV manufacturers like BYD and domestic rival Toyota are also preparing compact, low-cost electric models, so competition will only increase.
Honda already dominates the kei segment with the N-Box, and the N-ONE e: represents the brand’s first electric passenger kei car aimed at capturing urban EV buyers who want an affordable, practical EV.
Conclusion
For urban drivers and first-time EV buyers in Japan, the Honda N-ONE e: is an important step toward more accessible electric mobility. Its combination of a low starting price, a 29.6 kWh battery and a claimed 295 km range makes it a logical choice for city commuting where compact dimensions, interior space and operating costs matter most. While the N-ONE e: currently remains exclusive to Japan, its arrival signals how mainstream and affordable mini-EVs could become as automakers scale EV platforms and prioritize clever packaging and competitive pricing.
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