Honda e:N1

Model Overview

The Honda e:N1 is the Honda brand's first global all-electric compact SUV and represents a major milestone in the Japanese carmaker's electrification roadmap. The EV made its global debut in March 2025 at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) in Thailand. Built on Honda's dedicated front-wheel-drive e:N Architecture F platform, the e:N1 is a purpose-engineered EV rather than a straightforward electric conversion of the petrol-powered HR-V. Jointly developed by Honda and its Chinese partners, the model is primarily manufactured at Dongfeng Honda's Wuhan plant in China and exported to overseas markets including Thailand.

As of June 2026, the e:N1 is on sale in markets including Thailand, Malaysia, and New Zealand. In Thailand, it is priced at 1,199,000 Thai Baht (approx. RM240,000); in Malaysia, the on-the-road (OTR) price excluding insurance is RM149,900 (approx. RM230,000); and in New Zealand, it retails for NZD 52,000 (approx. RM225,000). The high-voltage battery and electric powertrain come with an 8-year or 160,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Design Language

On the exterior front, the e:N1 retains the overall silhouette and proportions of the HR-V while distinguishing its all-electric identity through subtle styling cues. The front fascia adopts a blanked-off front grille, doing away with the conventional radiator air intake found on internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Up front, it features the brand's new white illuminated "H" logo alongside full-width LED headlights that lend it a high-tech vibe. At the rear, full-width LED taillights are paired with prominent "HONDA" script badging in place of the traditional emblem for a sharper visual identity.

In terms of dimensions, the EV measures 4,387 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, and 1,584 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,607 mm. Unladen ground clearance is rated at 142 mm, dropping to 112.6 mm under full load. Kerb weight stands at 1,756 kg (1,662 kg for the Malaysian-spec model). An 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheel set wrapped in 225/50 R18 tyres comes standard across the range.

Inside, the cabin receives a substantial revamp while retaining the core dashboard layout of the HR-V. The focal point is a massive 15.1-inch portrait-oriented centre touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster. A sleek push-button shift-by-wire gear selector replaces the traditional mechanical gear lever on the centre console. The seats are upholstered in sporty black leather accented with white piping and blue contrast stitching, complemented by blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Boot capacity is rated at 344 to 350 litres with the rear seats up, expandable to 1,160 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the e:N1 is a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor configured in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. The electric motor churns out a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS / 201 hp) and a peak torque of 310 Nm. It accomplishes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 160 km/h.

Supplying the juice is a 68.8 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack co-developed with CATL, comprising 96 cells packaged beneath the floorpan and rear bench. On a single charge, the e:N1 delivers an NEDC-rated range of 500 km and a WLTP-rated range of 412 km, with real-world combined driving range estimated between 330 and 350 km. For charging, the SUV supports 78 kW DC fast charging via a CCS2 port, juicing from 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in around 40 to 45 minutes; standard 11 kW AC slow charging via a Type 2 inlet completes a full charge in approximately 6 hours.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the e:N1 rides on Honda's bespoke e:N Architecture F platform, delivering a high-rigidity body structure and a low centre of gravity. Suspension hardware comprises front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam setup. With a kerb weight of just 1,662 kg (Malaysian specification), it is on the lighter end among all-electric compact SUVs in its class. The steering is light and precise, making it effortless to drive in tight urban traffic and composed on the highway. The chassis setup strikes a well-judged balance between ride comfort and agile dynamics.

Cabin & Equipment

In the equipment department, the e:N1 comes standard with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 15.1-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen. The central display uses a three-tier layout—the top section handles navigation and infotainment, the middle section displays vehicle telemetry and audio controls, while the bottom section is dedicated to climate settings. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity alongside voice control.

Other creature comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vents, a PM2.5 cabin air purification filter, a 15W Qi wireless charging pad, a 6-speaker audio system, and blue ambient lighting. For the seating, the driver enjoys 8-way power adjustment, while the front passenger gets 6-way manual adjustment. Device charging is well catered for with four USB ports (one Type-A and one Type-C up front, plus two Type-C ports at the rear). The rear bench also features 60:40 split-folding capability.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the e:N1 is fitted with 6 airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags) as standard. Active safety is comprehensive thanks to the full Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite. Key features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Also included are Blind Spot Information (BSI / BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), 8-sensor front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Notably, the e:N1 is among the first Honda models in select markets to feature a proper radar-based Blind Spot Information (BSI) system instead of relying exclusively on the LaneWatch camera.

Market Performance & Verdict

As Honda's inaugural global EV offering, the e:N1 demonstrates the Japanese brand's pragmatic approach to electric mobility. Automotive critics have praised the e:N1 for delivering a "smooth, straightforward, and surprisingly refined" driving experience, with its lighter kerb weight translating into nimble and predictable dynamics. However, some reviews have noted that the e:N1 delivers a rather middle-of-the-road overall performance, lacking a standout edge when measured against strong segment rivals such as the Kia Kona Electric and Skoda Elroq.

In China, the e:N1 is built by Dongfeng Honda exclusively for export and is not sold domestically. In international markets, key competitors to the e:N1 include the BYD Atto 3 (Yuan PLUS), MG ZS EV, and Volvo EX30. Serving as the opening act in Honda's electrification drive, the e:N1 blends the familiar packaging of the popular HR-V with a dedicated e:N Architecture F electric platform and a full suite of Honda Sensing safety tech, offering global car buyers a practical, sensible, and dependable EV package.