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Honda Motor has unveiled its new mini electric vehicle (kei EV), the N-ONE e:, aiming to revitalize Japan’s sluggish compact electric car market.
The N-ONE e: boasts a range of 295 km on a single charge, surpassing its leading competitor, the Nissan Sakura, by approximately 60% (180 km), and Mitsubishi Motors’ eK X. This marks Honda’s first commercial kei EV and the segment’s first new entry in three years.
To achieve this range, Honda increased the battery capacity by 50% compared to the Sakura and reduced the vehicle’s weight by 4% to 1,030 kg. The car’s height is optimized at 1.545 meters, minimizing wind resistance and ensuring compatibility with multi-story parking lots in Japan.
Priced from approximately 2.7 million yen (18,300 USD), the N-ONE e: is only slightly more expensive than the Sakura by 100,000 yen. After government subsidies, the effective price drops to around 2.1 million yen. Honda targets families, particularly middle-aged women seeking a second vehicle for short-distance travel.
Japan’s electric vehicle market has been lackluster, with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounting for just 1.9% of new car sales in July 2025, down from over 3% in 2023. Limited vehicle options and charging infrastructure are key challenges.
However, industry experts believe kei cars are ideal for electrification, as users typically drive less than 200 km monthly, primarily for shopping and commuting.
Competition is expected to intensify in the coming years, with BYD (China) planning to launch its kei EV in Japan as early as fiscal year 2026.
Leveraging its extensive domestic dealer network of over 2,000 locations, Honda anticipates the N-ONE e: will become a standout choice, complementing its successful kei car lineup, including the N-BOX series.
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