Launched in Japan just weeks ago, the Honda N-One e: is the Japanese automaker’s first electric passenger kei car. The N-One e: joins the N-Van e: commercial model as Honda’s second EV in its home market.
At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, we got a chance to see it in person for the first time. Here are our first impressions of the new electric kei car, which is expected to be sold in global markets with adaptations.
Exterior
The Honda N-One e: retains the beloved proportions of the gasoline-powered N-One while adding a refined EV-specific identity. The designers have softened the lines with rounded surfaces on the fenders and tailgate, giving the car a taut, clean look that emphasizes simplicity.
The approachable, slightly retro front fascia remains, but subtle tweaks, including a smoother front grille that integrates the charging port, differentiate it from its gasoline-engined sibling.
Despite housing a battery under the floor, the N-One e: preserves the same low height as the standard N-One. That means it still fits comfortably into Japan’s multi-level parking garages, a major convenience for dwellers in places like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama.
Honda offers five colors, including the new Cheerful Green, along with Platinum White Pearl and Seabed Blue Pearl, all of which bring out its urban-friendly appeal.
Interior
Inside, the N-One e: exemplifies Honda’s M/M (man maximum, machine minimum) philosophy. The floor-mounted, thin battery allows the cabin to retain a generous amount of passenger space for a kei car, offering seating for four adults. Honda has moved the steering wheel 37 mm closer to the driver, resulting in a more natural posture and smoother steering response.
The dashboard features a minimalist, horizontal layout that enhances forward visibility. Honda equips the N-One e: with features like a 9-inch Honda Connect touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a USB Type-C charging port, an automatic climate control system, and heated front seats.
Experience in the N-One e:
At 5’7″, I found ingress into the Honda N-One e: very easy. Once seated, I had good back support, although the under-thigh support felt limited because of the short seat base. Headroom was generous, with roughly six inches to spare in my preferred driving position. Outward visibility was excellent in all directions, including the rear.
In the back, the seatback felt supportive, and while the bench is slightly upright, it remains comfortable for short to medium trips. Legroom and knee room were surprisingly generous for a car of this size. However, under-thigh support in the rear was even more limited than in the front because of the seat height and cushion length. There are no notable rear amenities, although the 50:50 split seat adds flexibility. Overall, the rear seat is comfortable for its class, especially for city use.
Specifications
Confined to kei car regulations, the Honda N-One e: measures 133.7 in. in length, 58.1 in. in width, and 60.8 in. in height, with a 99.2 in. wheelbase. The compact footprint and a small turning radius of 14.8 ft. makes it ideal for narrow city streets and tight parking spaces.
The N-One e: features Honda’s MCF7 AC synchronous motor, tuned to produce 63 hp and 119 lb.-ft. of torque. The car does feature one-pedal driving, which the driver can activate simply via the push of a button on the center console. A 29.6 kWh battery pack powers the motor and enables a WLTC-rated range of 183 miles, sufficient for daily commutes and errands.
Charging takes approximately 4.5 hours using a 6 kW AC charger and about 30 minutes to reach 80% with a 50 kW DC fast charger. The N-One e: supports V2H (vehicle-to-home) capability and can output up to 1,500 W via an optional Honda Power Supply Connector, enough to power small appliances during outdoor activities or serve as backup power during emergencies.
Also See: 2025 Honda Prologue, with more range & power, looks smart in Sonic Grey
Price & Release Date
Honda began sales of the N-One e: in Japan on September 12, 2025. Prices start at 2,699,400 yen (about USD 18,000) for the e: G trim and 3,198,800 yen (about USD 21,000) for the e: L trim. Fast charging is standard on the former and optional on the latter.
While Honda has not announced plans to launch the N-One e: outside Japan, according to an Auto Express report dated July 28, 2025, the company will launch a closely related EV in the UK and other European markets in 2026.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
