The e:N1 will be Honda’s 1st EV in Malaysia when it eventually launches locally some time in 2025.
While its Prelude concept is taking centre stage at Honda’s pavilion at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024, there is actually to be another car on display over there that is worth a quick word too. And that is to be its e:N1 e-SUV, which if the accompanying sign on the stand is to be believed, will be launching in Malaysia some time next year!
Set to be Honda Malaysia’s first ever EV, the e:N1 could most basically be thought of as an all-electric version of the HR-V. This battery-powered compact crossover was incidentally first launched in China back in 2021 as the e:NS1 (aka e:Ny1 in Europe), while production of it has recently kick-started at the Japanese automaker’s Prachinburi factory in Thailand.
Now while it may look (very much) like a HR-V on the outside, this e:N1 is instead to be based upon a totally different e:N Architecture F platform. Take a tape measure to it and it’ll be clear too that this e-crossover is 57 mm longer and 2 mm higher than its fuel-drinking counterpart, with it also differing slightly within by way of a new 15.1-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment screen dominating its dashboard.
Other slight changes worth highlighting over the HR-V is for the e:N1 to net ‘Honda’ script spelled out across the tailgate, as well as a new white H badge up front to signify its EV-ness. This e-SUV further gains a push button-type gear selector and a 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display within, but unfortunately loses out on its petrol-powered counterpart’s iconic Ultra Seats.
The e:N1 is currently to only be available with the sole powertrain configuration of a single front-mounted e-motor that outputs 204 PS and 310 Nm, which while not all that electrifying is still technically slightly more than what is currently output by the HR-V’s turbocharged 1.5-litre. Honda currently quotes for this e-SUV to crack the century sprint in modest 7.7 seconds, with it to then eventually top out at a similarly sensible 160 km/h.
In terms of what powers the motor on the other hand, the e:N1 is equipped with the sole option of a 68.8 kWh battery pack, which Honda claims capable of yielding a WLTP-rated range of 412 km (or 500 km on the more lenient NEDC cycle). This battery pack can support up to 11 kW AC and 78 kW DC charging, with the former enabling a six-hour full charge, while the latter offers a 45-minute 10-80% top up.
And finally for the big question that everyone will have on their minds, it is regrettable to inform that Honda has thus far not revealed even a guesstimate on the price for this upcoming e:N1 over here. The ideal figure for it to have a hope in competing against what is currently available on the market will nevertheless be somewhere in the region of RM 150,000, but its current list price of a rather eye-watering £40,000 (RM 240,000) in the UK does unfortunately put some serious doubt to this…
