Honda N-One e: gives a hint of firm’s upcoming compact EV

Honda has recently taken the covers off the N-One e: electric kei car, which could preview an upcoming compact electric vehicle from the brand.

Kei cars are a specific type of compact vehicle in Japan, which cannot be longer than 3.4 metres, cannot be wider than 1.48 metres and are cheaper to tax than a conventionally-sized car.

The N-One e: is only the second kei car to use an electric powertrain, and it’s likely that the European version – expected to be called the Super EV – will use the same battery, chassis and drivetrain.

Honda has not revealed the size of the battery at this stage, but the manufacturer claims that the N-One e: can travel up to 168 miles between trips to the plug and that a vehicle-to-home (V-2-H) function will be available, allowing the car’s battery to discharge energy back into your home to reduce energy costs.

The exterior design has a flat and boxy profile, while the front circular headlights and rectangular front grille give it a cutesy look. However, the Super EV Concept beefs things up with flared wheel arches, side skirts and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the N-One e:’s interior design is simple with physical buttons located in the centre of the dashboard and there is a bench-like front seat. The car’s interior space should be large too, thanks to the car’s tall roofline.

The Honda N-One e: is available to order in Japan from August 1. However, equivalent prices have not been revealed, but there will be a subsidy of up to £2,900. Meanwhile, more details on the Super EV will be revealed closer to when the car goes on sale in the UK next year.