Have you ever been captivated by a small electric vehicle that blends retro styling with cutting-edge technology? The Honda e was precisely such a car – a fleeting yet remarkable dream that left an indelible mark on automotive history. This deep dive examines its origins, design philosophy, market performance, and what its story reveals about evolving EV trends.
The Honda e's journey began at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show with the Urban EV Concept. Its charming, rounded silhouette – a deliberate callback to Honda's 1970s Civic – instantly won hearts. Designers Yuki Terai (exterior) and Fumihiro Yaguchi (interior) crafted an approachable, emotionally resonant aesthetic that paid homage to classic compacts like the Volkswagen Golf while feeling thoroughly modern.
After debuting the production model at 2019's Geneva Motor Show, Honda refined the concept with hidden door handles, compact rearview cameras, and a central front charging port. The final five-door version (departing from the concept's three-door layout) premiered that September at Frankfurt, bearing the official "Honda e" nameplate.
This urban-focused hatchback delivered surprising depth beneath its diminutive dimensions:
- Retro-Future Fusion: Circular headlamps and clean surfaces evoked 1970s classics, while the cabin's five-screen dashboard created a spaceship-like ambiance.
- Rear-Wheel-Drive Dynamics: An unusual choice for small EVs, this layout enabled spirited handling enhanced by torque vectoring.
- Tech Showcase: Features like camera-based side mirrors and a voice-activated "Honda Personal Assistant" set it apart.
The dedicated RWD platform prioritized agility:
- Optimized Architecture: A centrally mounted 35.5kWh battery achieved perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
- Driver-Focused Setup: MacPherson strut suspension and a tight 4.3m turning radius made it ideal for cities.
- Powertrain Options: Two rear-mounted motor variants (134hp or 152hp) delivered 315Nm torque, hitting 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds.
- Charging: CCS Combo 2 compatibility enabled 80% charges in 30 minutes via DC fast charging.
The horizontal-layout interior combined warmth with innovation:
- Quintuple Display: Twin 12.3" infotainment screens flanked an 8.8" instrument cluster and two 6" camera-mirror displays.
- Voice Control: The AI assistant responded to "OK Honda" prompts with machine-learning-enhanced recognition.
Despite 2020 launches in Japan and Europe, the Honda e struggled:
- Premium Pricing: At €39,900 (~$44,100), it competed against longer-range alternatives.
- Range Limitations: The 220km (WLTP) capacity felt restrictive for many buyers.
- Fierce Competition: Rivals like the Tesla Model 3 offered superior practicality.
Honda confirmed January 2024 production termination without a successor, though it maintains the model attracted new customers and informed subsequent EVs like the e:Ny1.
Despite mixed reviews, the Honda e earned prestigious accolades:
- Red Dot "Best of the Best" Design Award (2020)
- Germany's "Car of the Year" (2021) – first Japanese model to win
- World Urban Car at World Car Awards (2021)
The Honda e's discontinuation closes a fascinating chapter in EV development. More than a sales success, it demonstrated how emotional design and driving enjoyment could coexist with electrification. Its story underscores that technological innovation alone cannot guarantee market triumph – understanding consumer priorities remains paramount. Perhaps someday Honda will revisit this formula with lessons learned, but for now, the e stands as a beautiful what-if in automotive history.