So we got the e:N1 for a weekend to live with and review and here is what we thought
Until 4 years ago in Malaysia, driving a ‘made in china’ vehicle came with a little bit of a stigma.
Then about 4 years ago the electric car started being noticed, and very soon Chinese made electric cars were the ‘talk of the town’. Soon after, petrol powered electric vehicles from Chinese auto manufacturers made their appearance and by 2004 (last year) they were dominating almost all segments and even sending the rivals from Europe, Korea and Japan into long candle burning meetings to discuss their offensive.
Now, in 2025, we have automotive powerhouse Honda launching an electric car and it is ‘built in China’ to take advantage of Chinese engineered software and battery technology. Yes, this Honda e:N1 is made in China and Honda has all the elements to make it another success story for their Malaysian dealers.
Also take note that Mazda, Nissan and Toyota are also doing the same thing with their new EV’s , but it is Honda that has brought it to Malaysia first.
This e:N1 looks very much like the current best selling Honda HR-V. It’s almost 88 percent identical.
The e:N1 is powered by a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery that generates a maximum power of 150kW and a peak torque of 310Nm.
For the battery charging, it supports AC (Normal Charging) up to 10 kW, with a 10 percent to 80 percent charge taking approximately 6 hours.
This electric SUV also features DC (Fast Charging) up to 78 kW, achieving a 30 percent to 80 percent charge in about 50 minutes. With a driving range of up to 500km (NEDC) (in real world driving probably 400km), customers can enjoy an exhilarating drive that features three driving modes – Sport, Normal and ECON.
Exterior-wise, the e:N1 presents a modern design, headlined by a clean, sleek front grille and a new white “H” badge that symbolises Honda’s electrification. Complementing its elegant and minimalist appearance are LED Headlights, LED Taillight and 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels made just for the BEV.
Has Honda Provided For Gen Z?
The stylish design continues inside, where blue ambient lighting, a Wireless Charger and a 10.25-inch TFT driving information display that is available only in the e:N1 delivers a sophisticated and intuitive cabin experience.
Another feature found only in this model from Honda s the large (like seen with BYD and Volvo) 15.1-inch advanced display audio that integrates a three-section touchscreen panel designed for seamless connectivity and user-friendly operations, all functions are accessible with a simple touch.
The top section houses essential infotainment features, including Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wired Android Auto Connectivity and Navigation System.
The middle section provides access to vehicle status information and audio controls, while the bottom section features air conditioning settings.
For next-level comfort and practicality, the e:N1 retains Honda’s signature spaciousness with 60:40 split rear seat configuration and a 344 litres of cargo space.
But Does It Drive Like A Honda?
Well, this is an electric vehicle and so it is heavy. This means you do not get the complete Honda behind the wheel experience some of you die hard petrol heads are used to. However, you still get a well dampened ride with a rather predictable handling. This means, Honda handling engineers took time to ensure a previous Honda SUV owner, will not be disappointed with the dynamics of this e:N1.
Cabin quality is typical Honda ….. great …… and usability good. It will accommodate 5 adults easily and with luggage.
The lack of buttons and the use of the touch screen is just like with all the best selling Chinese Ev rivals and this is what the new generation of buyers want. Honda delivered on all fronts.
Is Honda Safety Still Top Notch?
Every Honda vehicle is built with safety as a top priority. Staying true to this focus, Honda Malaysia equipped the e:N1 with a comprehensive range of standard safety features to give customers greater confidence on the road. In addition to Honda SENSING, the e:N1 includes Blind Spot Information (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), a feature currently exclusive to this BEV.
How To Buy One?
There are three attractive colours for customers to choose from, which are Platinum White Pearl, Aqua Topaz Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl.
To elevate the Honda purchase experience, the entire e:N1 purchase process is integrated into Honda Malaysia’s online platforms, which include the New Car Pre-Booking portal and the HondaTouch application.
Customers can complete their booking in just a few simple steps by selecting one of eight authorised Honda BEV dealerships, entering their details, choosing the e:N1, and paying a minimum pre-booking fee.
Enhancing this exclusive and personalised journey, a dedicated and trained brand ambassador will be available to provide assistance and guidance throughout the entire process.
The e:N1 comes with an eight-year or 160,000km warranty (whichever comes first) on the electric vehicle battery and electric drive system.
For added peace of mind, the Honda Insurance Plus (HiP EV) package is also available for the e:N1, providing Additional EV Benefits including coverage for damage or injury while using public EV chargers, protection for EV Home wall charger against fire, lightning, theft or natural disasters, coverage for loss or damage to the portable charging cable and personal liability coverage for bodily injury or damage to third-party property arising from the use of the EV home wall charger.
Honda e:N1 Specifications
Motor: Single Motor (Front 2WD)
Range: 500km
Battery Capacity: 68.8kWh
EV Operation Efficiency: 18.2 kWh/100km
Charging Speed: DC (30-80% in 40 minutes)
Max power: 150PS
Max torque: 310Nm
Top Speed: 160 km/h
0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds
Tires: 225/50/18 inch
Curb Weight: 1,733kg
Selling Price: RM149,900.00
