Honda e Targets a Specific Audience, but Everyone Loves It
Now that reviews for the Honda e are rolling in, it just makes us want one even more.
Successful Transition
Now that the Honda e has successfully made the transition from concept to production, reviews on the pint-sized EV are starting to roll in. And so far, most have been overwhelmingly favorable. As expected, there are only two real complaints about the e, but it's otherwise a fantastic little vehicle that would fit in quite well if Honda decided to ever sell it in the U.S.
Photos: Honda
Elegant Integration
The e is the first vehicle in a new category dubbed small premium, and that much is obvious when you step inside. The e's cutesy styling on the outside transitions to a gorgeous interior with a sweeping dashboard design worthy of an art museum. It's a much more elegant approach than, say, Tesla's "stuck on tablet" that most everyone isn't a huge fan of.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation on the lithe e EV right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Two Problems
The only real complaints people have about the e are its price and range. The latter is rated by Honda at just 125 miles, which means you won't be taking many road trips in this thing. But it won't be cheap, either, as the top of the line e Advanced will run over $37,000 in the U.K. with taxes included.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation on the lithe e EV right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Targeted Market
Regardless, for those that just need a car for a typical daily commute and want to zip around in comfort, the e hits the sweet spot just right. Plus, Honda says it can be fast-charged to 80% in just 30 minutes. Those characteristics, combined with the fact that the e isn't efficient at speeds over 65 mph, make it a good fit for Japanese and European customers that live in dense areas.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation on the lithe e EV right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Lounge Like
The e's interior is certainly unique in this regard, a space that Honda said it designed to feel like a lounge. That minimalist and high tech approach extends to the side mirrors, which are cameras instead of the traditional glass. These are obviously not yet legal in the U.S., which would be another hurdle to overcome should the e come here, but it wouldn't be a total deal-breaker.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation on the lithe e EV right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Luxury Car Features
Aside from that, buyers are paying a premium here but getting a host of options typically relegated to luxury cars. That includes things like collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and enhanced voice control.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation on the lithe e EV right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Desperate Plea
Thus, the e is clearly designed for a very specific market and very specific customer. But the problem is, Honda made it so charming and so retro that most fans of the brand also happened to fall in love with it, too. So for now, we'll just have to wait and see if the automaker listens to our pleas so we can get the chance to stick one in our collective garages.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation on the lithe e EV right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!