Honda has pulled the wraps off its production-ready N-One e: — a tiny but tech-savvy electric vehicle that first turned heads at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Designed to meet Japan’s unique Kei car regulations, this miniature marvel is poised to inspire Honda’s future small EVs for markets beyond Asia, especially as the demand for practical, affordable electric transportation continues to grow.
At just under 3,400mm (134 inches) in length, the N-One e: is one of Honda’s smallest electric offerings ever. It may be small on the outside, but it punches well above its weight inside.
The interior is designed for real-world use, with clever features like rear seats that fold both flat and upright to make room for oddly shaped cargo. Hard-wearing fabrics, multiple smartphone charging ports, and a no-fuss, low-maintenance layout reflect Honda’s long-standing reputation for practical engineering.
Despite its compact footprint, the N-One e: packs a respectable electric punch. It offers over 150 miles (245 km) of range from a compact battery pack and is powered by a 63hp electric motor, making it well-suited for city commutes and short suburban jaunts.
What really elevates the N-One e: is its integration of smart features typically found on more expensive EVs. The car supports one-pedal driving, a convenience that simplifies stop-start city travel, and includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allowing it to power external devices, even a home during outages or a laptop during a road trip.
Though designed primarily for Japan and China, the N-One e: won’t stay a local hero for long. Honda has confirmed it plans to launch a small city EV in Europe next year likely inspired by the N-One e: and tailored to withstand the SUV-dominated streets of the West. Expect chunkier styling and additional features for global markets, possibly revealed at the IAA Motor Show in Munich later this year.
This approach follows Honda’s earlier foray into compact EVs with the Honda e, a stylish city car that earned praise but struggled due to its limited range and high price. The N-One e: aims to avoid those pitfalls by leveraging better battery technology, more competitive pricing, and smarter packaging.
As battery tech matures, small EVs like the N-One e: are gaining traction. Honda’s new model could target price points closer to competitors like the BYD Dolphin Surf, which starts at £18,650 in the UK.
While the N-One e: might not be heading to the US market anytime soon, its presence signals that the era of budget-friendly electric runabouts is no longer just wishful thinking.