Honda Malaysia today introduced its first battery-electric vehicle, the all-new e:N1, priced at RM149,900 for a limited allocation.
The five-door SUV is fully imported from China, where it is marketed under the Dongfeng Honda joint venture as the e:NS1 and alongside a sportier e:NP1 variant from Honda’s GAC partnership.
It’s basically the electric version of the HR-V, which is a tad smaller, but both share a similar silhouette and design.
The e:N1 is powered by a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering 150 kW/201hp and 310Nm of torque through a single-speed transmission.
It supports AC charging up to 10 kW, replenishing the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in six hours, and DC fast charging up to 78kW, achieving a 30 per cent to 80 per cent charge in around 50 minutes.
Honda cited the NEDC range as 500km. But the realistic range should be around 410km in the WLTP cycle, which is below average in 2025 but still respectable and typical for mid-range electric vehicles.
The e:N1 features Sport, Normal and ECON driving modes.
The exterior adopts a clean, modern aesthetic with a white “H” electrification badge, LED headlights and taillights, and bespoke 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
Inside, ambient blue lighting enhances a wireless charging pad and a 10.25-inch TFT instrument display.
A 15.1-inch advanced display audio system integrates a three-section touchscreen: the upper panel handles infotainment such as wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and satellite navigation; the centre panel shows vehicle status and audio controls; and the lower panel manages climate settings.
The cabin retains Honda’s hallmark spaciousness, offering a 60:40 split rear bench and 344 litres of cargo space.
Safety equipment includes the Honda SENSING suite alongside Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor, the latter exclusive to this BEV in Malaysia. Colour choices comprise Platinum White Pearl, Aqua Topaz Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl.
The e:N1 carries an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty on the battery and electric drive system. An optional Honda Insurance Plus (HiP EV) package extends coverage to public charger incidents, home-wall-charger damage, portable cable loss and third-party liability arising from charger use.
Since order-taking opened on April 15, the company has received around 200 pre-launch bookings.
“The launch of the e:N1 strengthens our xEV lineup and provides Malaysians with more choices to suit their mobility needs, in line with our 2025 business direction,” said newly appointed Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Narushi Yazaki.
The e:N1 is the first Malaysian product launch under his watch.
Even with the promotional price of RM150,000, Honda will find the e:N1 a hard sell. It is being outshined by Chinese electric car makers in 2025, with their attractively designed cars that are tech-loaded and aggressively priced to seal the deal.
In addition, Proton’s more price-friendly offerings will also sway EV sales
Like all Japanese carmakers (and by extension the Western mainstream and luxury brands), Honda has been late to the EV game and they were collectively blindsided by the pace of innovations set by Chinese automakers who are now dominating in that space with vehicles that are affordable and high-tech, bolstered by government support.
The Chinese are also increasingly taking market share in the hybrid and range extender vehicle segment of electrified vehicles.
In addition, the long-running price war in China that has also spread to Malaysia is putting intense pressure on Honda and other brands to up their game.
BYD founder Wang Chuanfu had recently said that Chinese EVs are 3 to 5 years ahead of the competition, and evidence suggest he’s not far off the mark as China’s auto players continue to dominate global EV sales.
