KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia is joining its Chinese counterparts and will finally introduce the e:N1 electric car to Malaysia in 2025.
The e:N1, also known as the e:Ny1 in Europe, is built on Honda's newly developed e:N Architecture F platform, tailored specifically for small and medium-sized electric vehicles.
This platform integrates a high-power electric motor, a 68.8 kWh high-density lithium-ion battery, and a high-rigidity chassis, all designed to deliver a responsive and engaging driving experience.
Performance-wise, the e:N1's front-mounted electric motor produces 150 kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in about 7.6 seconds. The vehicle offers a range of up to 412 km on the WLTP cycle, with a 10-80% charge achievable in about 45 minutes using fast charging.
Honda unveiled the e:Ny1 in May 2023 at its European Media Event in Offenbach, Germany, marking it as the brand's second fully electric vehicle in the region after the Honda e.
While the e:N1 has been showcased in both Thailand and Indonesia, it is only available in Thailand from the fleet channel; sales in Indonesia for direct consumer purchase is expected in 2025.
It was introduced at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024, happening from Dec 5-11.
Another interesting exhibit previewed at the auto show was the Prelude Concept.
Malaysia is the only Asian country outside Japan to showcase this model.
The two-door coupe is a hybrid, combining a petrol engine with electric assistance to enhance performance and efficiency. It also features automated driving technologies.
Other new things to see at the Honda booth include the Motocompacto, a foldable e-scooter and its commuter aircraft called eVTOL, which is designed for short-distance air travel. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is still under development and has yet to be commercialised.
Apart from these four exhibits, Honda Malaysia also paraded its existing line-up of cars such as the multi-model e:HEV hybrid series and the Civic Type R.
