Honda has officially unveiled the N-One e:, poised to become the smallest electric vehicle in its lineup—and potentially one of the most charming. Designed to conform to Japan’s micro‑car (“kei car”) standards, this diminutive hatch is engineered for urban use with a healthy dose of retro flair, smart features like one‑pedal driving control, and surprising utility for its size.
🏁 Tiny Size, Big Impact
Measuring just under 3.4 meters in length, the Honda N‑One e: is compact enough to tackle the narrowest streets effortlessly. That footprint, alongside a boxy profile, upright bonnet, and circular headlamps, ensures it adheres to Japan’s kei‑car class while offering maximum interior space and personality. The closed front grille, flanked by two charging ports for both normal AC and fast DC use, blends EV function with visual charm.
⚡ Powertrain & Range
Though Honda is holding back on official power and battery specs, it’s expected the N-One e: shares hardware with the N-Van e:. That electric kei truck features a 29.6 kWh battery that achieves close to 245 km WLTC range, with the N‑One e: pushing that figure to 270 km or more under WLTP standards. Power output is capped at about 63 hp (64 PS) and 162 Nm, per kei‑car regulations.
Recharging is efficient too: a 50 kW DC fast charge can replenish a substantial portion in roughly 30 minutes, while normal AC charging at ~6 kW takes several hours.
🔋 V2L & V2H: Power On the Go
One of the most compelling features of the N-One e: is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities. With an optional Honda accessory adapter, users can draw power from the car to charge devices, run appliances—or even supply electricity to a home during outages or while camping NewsBytes+1India Today+1.
This function adds practical traction, turning what could be seen as a toy-like micro-EV into a small-scale power station that’s useful in emergencies or outdoor activities.
🛋️ Inside: Practical and Punchy
Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” design philosophy shines in the interior. Despite the car’s small size, head- and legroom are maximized, and clever touches abound: a built-in shelf beneath the display (ideal for phones or small items), intuitive physical climate control buttons, and a push-button gear selector. An available 9‑inch touchscreen infotainment display is offered in higher trims, though Honda also offers no-screen variants with essential analog controls.
Rear seats fold in a 50:50 split, allowing flat configuration for cargo runs—perfect for grocery pickups or weekend hauls. One‑pedal driving mode with regenerative braking further enhances city friendliness.
🎨 Styling & Color Choices
Designed with personality, the N-One e: embraces a retro aesthetic that recalls Honda’s classic kei cars of the 1960s. It maintains the upright, blocky shape and round headlights but adds a modern twist with a smoothed black grille, clean bumpers, and flush door handles.
Honda will offer the car in five colors, including bright shades such as Cheerful Green, Fjord Mist Pearl, and Seabed Blue Pearl, plus neutral tones like Platinum White Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic.
🗓️ Launch Plans & Regional Outlook
Pre‑orders open in Japan on August 1, with deliveries slated for September–October 2025. It’s expected to qualify for Japanese EV subsidies (~574,000 yen / ∼€3,300). Honda has hinted at a potential European debut, possibly in the UK, but an India launch remains unlikely in the near future due to size and market strategy considerations.
🧭 Who Should Consider the N-One e:?
- City dwellers craving easy parking and low running costs
- First-time EV buyers who value simplicity over tech overload
- Eco-conscious commuters looking to minimize urban carbon footprints
- Outdoor enthusiasts or homestead stewards who can benefit from V2L/V2H flexibility
- Fans of retro aesthetic meets modern EV design
While its modest power (≈ 63 hp) is no thrill ride, for short daily trips and city cruising, it’s highly practical. The value proposition lies in its size, convenience, and unique features—not high-speed performance.
🚗 Final Thoughts
Honda’s N-One e: marks an exciting return to its kei‑car roots—this time in fully electric form. Designed to be more than a novelty, it’s a small, efficient, and smart choice for urban mobility. Its 270 km+ WLTP range, fast charging, V2L/V2H power flexibility, and retro-modern design make it a compelling entry in the burgeoning micro‑EV segment.
No, it may never compete with mainstream EVs like Tesla, by design—but it doesn’t need to. Instead, Honda has created a joyful, practical electric hatch that fulfills daily needs with style and ingenuity, while simultaneously turning a tiny footprint into a vehicle with outsized utility and character.