New Honda N-ONE e Is the City EV You Did Not Know You Needed

Honda has just revealed the new N-ONE e, a compact electric vehicle designed specifically for daily use in tight city environments. Built on the kei car platform, the N-ONE e is Honda’s answer to urban electric mobility, blending retro charm with modern features.

On the outside, the N-ONE e keeps its familiar rounded profile but adds unique electric vehicle elements like a smooth black front fascia and twin charging ports. The aerodynamic touches, like updated bumpers and smaller 14-inch wheels, give it a more refined, efficient look without losing its character.

Step inside and you are met with simplicity and function. The dashboard is clean and horizontal, designed with Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy. There is a digital instrument display, physical climate controls, and a push-button gear selector. A 9-inch Honda Connect touchscreen is available for those who want a more tech-forward setup. The tall roof and large windows make the space feel bigger than it looks, and the four seats can be adjusted to carry passengers or cargo with ease.

Under the hood, or rather under the floor, sits an electric motor limited to 63 horsepower, in line with kei car regulations. The battery is estimated at around 30 kilowatt-hours, providing up to 270 kilometers of driving range under the WLTP standard. This range beats many other kei-sized electric vehicles and makes the N-ONE e more versatile for daily commuting and short road trips.

One standout feature is Vehicle-to-Load capability, allowing the N-ONE e to power small appliances or devices, which can be a lifesaver during emergencies or outdoor activities. Honda has even designed special adapters to make this feature more user-friendly.

From a sustainability angle, the vehicle uses recycled materials throughout, including bumpers, bio-based plastics in the interior, and insulation made from repurposed plastic bottles and uniforms. It is a step toward making not just clean vehicles, but cleaner production processes too.

Pre-orders start on August 1 and the vehicle will go on sale in Japan by September. A wider, export-capable version shown previously at Goodwood hints at possible future availability in Europe or other left-hand-drive markets.