The Honda e is likely to have made a name for itself since 2019, particularly with its unusual design. In addition to the many distinctly round design elements of the Japanese subcompact, there are other unusual features such as the exterior camera mirrors and the infotainment system, whose two large screens to the right of the driver can simulate an aquarium – or even a Japanese garden. In addition, the Honda e is unusually rear-wheel drive.
In response to an enquiry from AUTO BILD, Honda has now announced that the Honda e can no longer be ordered throughout Europe. Honda does not give reasons for the sales stop, but they are obvious: According to KBA statistics, a total of 1127 new Honda e were registered in 2020, and slightly more in 2021 with 1256 units. After that, however, the figures fell sharply.
In 2022, only 677 new vehicles found their way onto the roads, and in 2023, up to and including October, only 101 were registered. With dwindling new registrations, profitability for Honda is also falling – and with it the motivation to offer the car in this country.
In addition, the prices were relatively high – also due to the fact that the Honda e only rolled off the production line virtually fully equipped. In June 2023, the Honda e cost at least 39,900 euros and, with an exterior length of 3.63 metres, only offered space for a small 35.5 kWh battery. This results in a relatively short range of 210 to 222 kilometres according to the WLTP.
The fact that competition for other fully electric small cars has increased significantly in recent years is also likely to have played a role.
Honda also states that it is still focussing on the electrification of the European market. This year (2023), three electrified SUVs have already been launched. Although this is true, only the E:Ny1 (“Anyone”) is fully electric. The Honda CR-V and ZR-V have hybrid drives.
Peugeot905
I thought all the car enthusiast where going to get one because it’s an electric vehicle the “right way”.
iqisoverrated
It’s a lifestyle car. The people who buy stuff like this want it when it’s new. The enthusiasm for a pure lifestyle product drops after a few years.
Tyr1326
The draw of a small car is a small price. 39k isnt small. Add to that a pretty small range and yeah… Not surprised it didnt sell well. It couldnt compete with cars in its price range, and it couldnt compete with cars in its class. A shame, but not a surprise.
FancyName_132
I like the design but that’s all it has. 42k€ for 222km combined WLTP is bad, nowadays you get double the battery for that price.
StuntID
FFS, Nissan Leafs have more range and more room for less money. Yes, not as hi-tech, but come on, Honda?
hecho2
For 20k at the price range of a twingo, Dacia spring or fiat 500e, maybe. At 40k no thanks
kttarg
I looked at a Honda e but it was about £7k more expensive than the Renault Zoe I ended up buying which has better range.
BambooRollin
Another “compliance car”, Honda never intended to make a success out of it.
defcon_penguin
It’s a pity because it is the prettiest little electric car on the market, but as everyone has said, specs and price are not right. They should keep the design, increase the battery and reduce the price. It would sell like crazy
Chicoutimi
Given how distinctive it is and the short run it’s having, I reckon these will end up as collector’s items.
Sir_Henry_Deadman
I have one, got a great deal on it, it’s not the best EV in most categories but it’s fun, and nice and cool looking with lots of tech..
I very much enjoy it but it’s a shame it’s not getting newer versions anytime soon
12 Comments
Translation:
The Honda e is likely to have made a name for itself since 2019, particularly with its unusual design. In addition to the many distinctly round design elements of the Japanese subcompact, there are other unusual features such as the exterior camera mirrors and the infotainment system, whose two large screens to the right of the driver can simulate an aquarium – or even a Japanese garden. In addition, the Honda e is unusually rear-wheel drive.
In response to an enquiry from AUTO BILD, Honda has now announced that the Honda e can no longer be ordered throughout Europe. Honda does not give reasons for the sales stop, but they are obvious: According to KBA statistics, a total of 1127 new Honda e were registered in 2020, and slightly more in 2021 with 1256 units. After that, however, the figures fell sharply.
In 2022, only 677 new vehicles found their way onto the roads, and in 2023, up to and including October, only 101 were registered. With dwindling new registrations, profitability for Honda is also falling – and with it the motivation to offer the car in this country.
In addition, the prices were relatively high – also due to the fact that the Honda e only rolled off the production line virtually fully equipped. In June 2023, the Honda e cost at least 39,900 euros and, with an exterior length of 3.63 metres, only offered space for a small 35.5 kWh battery. This results in a relatively short range of 210 to 222 kilometres according to the WLTP.
The fact that competition for other fully electric small cars has increased significantly in recent years is also likely to have played a role.
Honda also states that it is still focussing on the electrification of the European market. This year (2023), three electrified SUVs have already been launched. Although this is true, only the E:Ny1 (“Anyone”) is fully electric. The Honda CR-V and ZR-V have hybrid drives.
I thought all the car enthusiast where going to get one because it’s an electric vehicle the “right way”.
It’s a lifestyle car. The people who buy stuff like this want it when it’s new. The enthusiasm for a pure lifestyle product drops after a few years.
The draw of a small car is a small price. 39k isnt small. Add to that a pretty small range and yeah… Not surprised it didnt sell well. It couldnt compete with cars in its price range, and it couldnt compete with cars in its class. A shame, but not a surprise.
I like the design but that’s all it has. 42k€ for 222km combined WLTP is bad, nowadays you get double the battery for that price.
FFS, Nissan Leafs have more range and more room for less money. Yes, not as hi-tech, but come on, Honda?
For 20k at the price range of a twingo, Dacia spring or fiat 500e, maybe. At 40k no thanks
I looked at a Honda e but it was about £7k more expensive than the Renault Zoe I ended up buying which has better range.
Another “compliance car”, Honda never intended to make a success out of it.
It’s a pity because it is the prettiest little electric car on the market, but as everyone has said, specs and price are not right. They should keep the design, increase the battery and reduce the price. It would sell like crazy
Given how distinctive it is and the short run it’s having, I reckon these will end up as collector’s items.
I have one, got a great deal on it, it’s not the best EV in most categories but it’s fun, and nice and cool looking with lots of tech..
I very much enjoy it but it’s a shame it’s not getting newer versions anytime soon