Honda launches its first passenger mini EV

Aiming to occupy more of the domestic market for lightweight passenger cars, Japan-based vehicle maker Honda Motor has debuted with its electric kei car presented on Sept. 11 and with its sales launched on Sept. 12, NHK World reported.

The N-ONE e model is pledged to be capable of travelling 295 kilometers on one charge. This move marks the company’s expansion from mini electric commercial vehicles already in production. According to industry groups, sales of small models like this accounted for more than 30% of all new cars in Japan in fiscal 2024 through March.

A Honda spokesperson emphasized that demand for models of this class remains strong, given Japan’s narrow roads and ease of use.

Separately, earlier this September, another Japanese carmaker — Toyota — announced plans to produce EVs at its subsidiary in Czechia.

Notably, in August, Suzuki began production of its first EV model in its Indian subsidiary.