Honda E's Final Lap: Stylish EV Discontinued as Sales Falter

Honda's journey into the electric vehicle (EV) realm with its Honda E hatchback, a model celebrated for its distinctive retro style and advanced technology, is coming to a close. Launched in 2020, this compact EV captured attention with its unique design, but its journey will cease in January 2024, as confirmed by Honda's announcement on their Japanese website and comments to Automotive News Europe.

The Honda E, characterized by its rear-mounted motor offering 100kW or 113kW outputs and 315Nm of torque, embodied innovation with its 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, promising a range of 210-220km under the WLTP cycle. Despite its appeal, the Honda E will not see a successor, particularly in markets like the UK, where consumer preferences lean heavily towards SUVs. Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda Cars UK, emphasized this shift in market demand, indicating the company's future focus on SUVs.

With the E's limited global reach, confined to Japan and Europe and absent in markets like Australia, China, and North America, its sales didn't meet expectations. This was evident in Europe, where the E's sales in 2021 were less than half of the projected 10,000 units. In contrast, Honda's new e:Ny1 electric SUV, akin to the HR-V in size, is finding its footing in Europe and China.

The discontinuation of the Honda E is emblematic of the broader industry trend towards larger EV models. Honda's future plans include a diverse range of electric cars and SUVs tailored to specific markets. Noteworthy among these is the electric sedan from the Honda/Sony joint venture Afeela, slated for production in 2025. Furthermore, the Japanese market anticipates the arrival of a commercial mini-EV based on the N-VAN in 2024, followed by an EV derived from the N-ONE in 2025.

Honda's global strategy, however, contrasts with its approach in Australia, where the introduction of EVs is delayed until 2028.

The cessation of the Honda E underscores the dynamic nature of the EV market, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and the strategic alignment of auto manufacturers. While the Honda E's journey concludes, its legacy as a catalyst in Honda's electrification journey endures.