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 not yet available for direct consumer purchase in either market. Like Malaysia, prospective buyers in these countries can anticipate its availability 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.
