Honda launches e:Ny1 as its first electric SUV in UK
The
e:Ny1, Honda's second fully electric vehicle for Europe, brings the
brand into the competitive electric SUV segment. This new B-segment SUV
blends elegant design with innovative technology to create an appealing
modern family car that works well for both current and new EV owners.
What is the Honda e:Ny1?
The Honda e:Ny1 stands on the brand's newly-developed e:N Architecture F high-performance front-motor-driven platform.
This global platform was built specifically for B-segment electric
vehicles. The electric SUV comes with a compact yet powerful 68.8 kWh
lithium-ion battery that gives you a WLTP range of 412km (256 miles).
You'll
find an electric motor that puts out 204 PS (150 kW) of power with a
maximum torque of 310 Nm. The SUV goes from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6
seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
The charging
system packs quite a punch. Using a DC rapid charger with CCS
connector, the battery charges from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. You
can add 100km of range in just 11 minutes. The e:Ny1's onboard charger
handles up to 11kW AC for home charging.
The e:Ny1's exterior
design makes it stand out as a battery electric vehicle. Sleek,
expressive headlights blend into a bold face. The rotating grille panel
cleverly hides the charging port, while connected taillights join
through a full-width LED light bar on the tailgate. A stunning new Aqua
Topaz colour option adds to its appeal.
How does it differ from the HR-V?
The
e:Ny1 shares similar dimensions with the HR-V - 1,584 mm tall, 1,790 mm
wide, 4,387 mm long, with a 2,607mm wheelbase. Yet it comes with unique
structural and performance features that set it apart as a
purpose-built electric vehicle.
Key differences include:
- Performance: The e:Ny1 packs more power (204 hp compared to the HR-V's 131 hp) and higher maximum torque (310 Nm versus 253 Nm)
- Acceleration: The e:Ny1 reaches 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds while the HR-V takes 10.7 seconds
- Structural reinforcement:
Extra high-tensile bracing in the floor, roof sections, and front wheel
wells creates a solid foundation for dynamic electric driving
- Ground clearance: A lower 142 mm profile compared to the HR-V's 188 mm
- Weight: A heavier build at 2.03 tonnes versus the HR-V's 1.87 tonnes
- Storage capacity: A slightly smaller boot at 361 litres compared to the HR-V's 431 litres
While
these cars might look alike at first, every body panel differs. The
e:Ny1 balances electric performance with Honda's signature driving
dynamics.
Why is it important for Honda's EV future?
The
e:Ny1 marks a key milestone in Honda's electric journey. After expanding
its e:HEV hybrid vehicles, this model takes the next step in growing
the company's
electrified vehicle lineup.
Tom
Gardner, Senior Vice President at Honda Motor Europe Ltd, explains:
"The e:Ny1 takes us further in offering electrified vehicles to our
customers. This new model meets European demand for fully electric
compact SUVs and combines our customer-first approach with Honda's
dynamic driving spirit".
The e:Ny1 brings Honda's e:N Architecture
F high-performance platform to Europe for the first time. This platform
lays the groundwork for future electric vehicles from the brand. Honda
engineered it to deliver their famous fun-to-drive feel, smooth ride
quality, and easy-to-use versatility.
This electric SUV fits
perfectly with Honda's people-first development philosophy. It puts
practical features right next to innovative technology. Honda created a
sweet spot between everyday usability and battery life through advanced
energy management and thermal control systems.
The e:Ny1 shows
Honda's dedication to energy efficiency and modern design. It gives
families a practical choice in the growing electric vehicle market.
Orders opened in late October 2023, with first deliveries starting
January 2024. This launch kicks off Honda's dedicated electric vehicle
lineup in the UK.
Honda e:Ny1 delivers mixed driving experience
The
Honda e:Ny1 gives drivers a varied character that changes based on
where you drive it. You can pick from three driving modes—
Econ, Normal, and Sport. The SUV lets you customise its performance, but the way it behaves isn't consistent on different roads.
How does it perform in town?
The
e:Ny1 really comes into its own in urban settings. This SUV handles
city streets beautifully and gives you a quiet, comfortable ride. You'll
find the light steering helps you navigate tight spaces easily, and the
upright body shape gives you great forward visibility.
The
Advance trim comes with a smart automatic Parking Pilot system that
makes tight parking spots less challenging. This feature teams up with
parking sensors and cameras to help you deal with the limited rear
visibility from the small back window.
The regenerative braking
system could use some work. Unlike other EVs, the e:Ny1's system goes
back to standard mode after a while instead of keeping your chosen
setting. This can get annoying in stop-start traffic when you want
consistent one-pedal driving.
The car's ride can feel a bit jumpy
over rough roads at low speeds, though it shields you from the worst
bumps. A tester pointed out that "Hit an unexpected pothole though and
it will send judders through the car".
What is it like on the motorway?
The
Honda e:Ny1 handles motorway driving surprisingly well, even with its
modest range. The SUV feels "safe and secure in the fast lane" and
"through sweeping motorway curves it kept flat and steered unerringly".
This stability makes longer trips more enjoyable.
The car is
"quick enough out the starting gates" with "that extra zip to easily
join fast-moving motorways from a slip road". Above 60mph, you'll notice
the motor loses some punch no matter which drive mode you're in, so you
need to plan your overtaking moves.
The car keeps wind noise down
well, but road noise gets louder at higher speeds. Honda tried to fix
this with special "resonator wheels" that have bands with small holes to
create sound waves that cancel out road noise.
The adaptive cruise control system
keeps your speed and distance well, but some testers found it "somewhat
blunt in the way it interacts with other traffic". It takes time to
spot cars pulling out and then brakes too hard, which might annoy
drivers behind you.
How does it handle twisty roads?
The
e:Ny1's biggest weaknesses show up on winding country roads. The SUV
"feels quite weighty when driving through twisting lanes" and leans
quite a bit in corners. The steering feels right in terms of weight but
has been called "elastic and artificial".
Traction becomes a real
issue on twisty roads. The e:Ny1 has "considerable traction issues"
where "full use of the accelerator pedal at anything below 50mph results
in a flare of wheelspin, even with the electronic traction aids
enabled". This makes the car unpredictable sometimes, especially in wet
conditions.
Testers noticed that "even at higher speeds the tyres
spin up without much provocation, such as when overtaking on a country
lane". This lack of grip isn't just annoying—it can be unsettling since
it "translates to a general lack of traction for cornering, where you'll
tend to wash wide even at moderate speeds".
The stiff suspension
keeps the body in check, so the e:Ny1 "rarely feels floaty over
undulating roads". But this stiffness, combined with poor traction,
means you won't feel as confident handling this Honda as you might in
other cars in its class.
Honda e:Ny1 battery size limits range on the ground
The
Honda e:Ny1 packs a 68.8kWh battery under its hood, with 61.9kWh
available to use. A 201bhp electric motor sits at the front axle. This
setup gives decent performance but comes with some range and efficiency
drawbacks.
Official range vs what you'll actually get
The
e:Ny1's official WLTP range looks good at 256 miles. The numbers tell a
different story on the ground though. Tests by different groups show big
differences in how far you can actually drive.
Summer driving can
get you close to 240 miles on a full charge. Daily driving gives you
much less though. What Car? found 190 miles more likely, while other
tests showed even lower numbers between 160-180 miles in normal
conditions.
Things get worse in cold weather. The car doesn't have
a heat pump - you can't even get one as an extra. This means winter
drives eat up more battery. Using the climate control takes a big chunk
of power from the battery too.
The e:Ny1 just isn't as efficient
as other electric cars out there. You'll get between 2-3.5 miles per
kilowatt hour on the ground, which makes longer trips without stopping a
bit tricky.
How it stacks up against other EVs
The
Honda's range efficiency doesn't match its rivals. The Kia EV3 Standard
Range gets 270 miles from a smaller battery, and its Long Range version
pushes this up to 375 miles.
The MG S5 EV gives you about 240
miles in normal driving, beating the Honda easily. The Renault Scenic
E-Tech goes even further with over 300 miles in day-to-day use.
The
Vauxhall Astra shows up the Honda's inefficiency by going two miles
further with an 11kWh smaller battery. Tesla's Model Y manages 283 miles
from just a 55kWh battery. The Kia Niro EV comes closer but still wins
with its 64.8kWh battery giving 287 miles on the WLTP test.
Charging speeds and times
The
e:Ny1 lags behind the best when it comes to charging. Its DC
fast-charging tops out at 78kW, taking about 45 minutes to go from
10-80% on a rapid charger.
Other cars charge much faster:
- Kia EV3 Long Range hits 135kW, getting from 10-80% in less than half the time
- Smart #1 can handle up to 150kW
Honda
says the e:Ny1 keeps charging at a steady rate instead of starting fast
and slowing down. You can add about 60 miles in 11 minutes on a fast
charger, which helps for quick top-ups.
At home, the car takes up
to 11kW from a three-phase supply, giving you a full charge in about 6
hours and 45 minutes. A normal 7kW home wallbox needs 9-10 hours for a
complete charge.
A regular wall socket will take 29-31 hours for a full charge - so you'll want to plan your charging ahead with this car.
Honda e:Ny1 interior design prioritises function over flair
The
Honda e:Ny1's interior looks quite different from other Honda models.
You'll notice a tech-heavy design with a huge touchscreen that grabs
your attention right away. This marks a clear break from the
button-filled dashboards you'd normally see in other Honda cars.
What's the layout like?
A massive 15.1-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen
takes centre stage on the dashboard. This shows how far Honda has moved
away from its usual conservative designs found in the Civic, Jazz and
HR-V.
Honda removed most physical buttons to create a modern look,
replacing them with touch controls. The cabin looks clean and minimal
now, though it's not as practical. Drivers get a good view of the road
thanks to electric seats and an adjustable steering wheel.
The
back seats offer enough legroom, but the doors don't open very wide.
This makes fitting child seats trickier than in other Honda models. The
rear sunroof comes with manual blinds that you need to take off and
store somewhere - a strange choice that doesn't match the car's
high-tech feel.
How intuitive is the infotainment system?
The
big 15.1-inch screen splits into three sections to make it easier to
use. Navigation and phone connections live at the top, main menu tiles
sit in the middle, and climate controls stay fixed at the bottom. This
smart layout helps you reach common features while driving, which helps
make up for not having physical buttons.
The system looks great at
first glance, but daily use reveals some drawbacks. The screen responds
quickly and looks sharp, but you often need to go through too many
menus. The 10.2-inch digital dashboard behind the steering wheel shows
information clearly but doesn't let you customise much.
You get wireless Apple CarPlay,
wired Android Auto, and WiFi built-in. The connected features like
finding nearby chargers don't always work well. The system looks good
but can't match Tesla's polish or Kia's ease of use.
What materials are used?
The
cabin's material quality varies throughout. The front area feels
premium in most spots, with soft materials where you touch and synthetic
leather on armrests and seats. The steering wheel comes wrapped in real
leather.
Hard plastics show up on the dashboard's top and lower
door panels to cut costs. Everything feels solid with minimal rattles,
but you might expect better quality at this price point.
The
interior design plays it safe compared to rivals. A mostly grey colour
scheme and limited trim choices make it feel a bit plain. Blue-lit
silver trim pieces and ambient lighting in the doors and dash add some
style. The optional panoramic sunroof brightens things up on fancier
models.
The e:Ny1's interior shows Honda's practical side - it
works well but doesn't try to wow you, while keeping decent quality
throughout.
Honda e:Ny1 offers generous rear space but small boot
The
Honda e:Ny1's cabin design makes an interesting choice - it puts people
ahead of packages. You'll find surprisingly roomy back seats that stand
in stark contrast to a rather tight luggage space.
How much space is there in the back seats?
The
e:Ny1 really shines when it comes to rear passenger comfort. The
legroom is a big deal as it means that you get almost the same space as a
Volkswagen Touareg. This generous knee space stands out as one of the
car's best interior features. The back feels even more spacious thanks
to a completely flat floor that doesn't have the usual central bump you
see in most cars.
Headroom tells a different story. The car's
sloping roofline might make taller passengers duck their heads a bit. In
spite of that, the overall space feels impressive for a compact SUV.
The
back seats deserve some attention too. The cushioning feels soft yet
supportive - better than what you'd get in rivals like the Hyundai Kona.
Even the middle seat works well, giving passengers enough shoulder room
without feeling squeezed. The middle seat cushion sits a bit higher
though, so it feels more like perching than sitting.
What is the boot capacity?
The
boot space tells a different story from the roomy passenger area. The
Honda e:Ny1's cargo capacity falls short of what you'd expect. With the
back seats up, you get
361 litres measured the VDA way. Fold those seats down and load to the roof, you'll get 1,176 litres, or 801 litres if you only load to window height.
Real-world
comparisons don't help much either. The boot is about 20 litres smaller
than a regular family hatchback like the Volkswagen Golf. Things look
even worse next to direct competitors - the Hyundai Kona Electric gives
you a much bigger 466 litres, while the MG4 edges ahead slightly with
363 litres.
The boot's straightforward rectangular shape helps you
use the space well. You'll find some handy storage under the floor -
perfect for keeping charging cables out of the way. The high load lip
(703mm) makes lifting heavy stuff a bit of a workout though.
One
thing to note - you won't find any front storage space ('frunk') for
soft bags or cables. The electric motor takes up all the space under the
hood.
Is it family-friendly?
Families looking at the
Honda e:Ny1 will need to weigh comfort against carrying capacity. The
back seats give plenty of stretch-out room, which works great for
growing teens and adults.
Getting child seats in place could be easier. The ISOFIX points
sit quite deep in the seat, making the first connection a bit tricky.
The doors don't open super wide either, so wrestling with bulky child
seats takes some effort.
Higher-spec models come with a power
tailgate that's great when your hands are full of shopping bags and
kids. Honda thought ahead with the folding seats too - they added a
clever flap that covers the gap between seatbacks and boot floor, so
small items don't vanish into the depths.
A family of five will
fit just fine, but that small boot might cause headaches on longer trips
or holidays. If you need serious luggage space, you might want to look
at the Skoda Enyaq (585 litres) or Tesla Model Y (854 litres). This
becomes especially important if you're hauling prams, sports gear, or
holiday luggage around.
Honda e:Ny1 pricing raises value concerns
The Honda e:Ny1's price remains a major concern for buyers, despite price cuts since its launch. Right now, you'll need £40,660 to buy one outright. Carwow suggests you might save about £2,000 off the retail price.
What are the trim levels and prices?
Honda keeps things simple with just two trim levels. The basic Elegance model costs £40,660. The fancier Advance
version will set you back £42,890, which is £2,230 more. Both cars cost
extra to tax from years two through six because they cost more than
£40,000.
Monthly payments start around £410 based on Carwow
figures. This makes the car more affordable than paying cash upfront.
Honda sometimes sweetens the deal with special finance offers and
deposit contributions.
What's included in the standard equipment?
The Elegance model comes loaded with features. You get Honda's excellent 15.1-inch infotainment touchscreen,
keyless entry and start, heated front seats, a digital dashboard,
wireless phone charging, and power-adjustable driver's seat. Safety
features are solid too - the Honda SENSING package comes standard, along
with parking sensors front and back plus a backup camera.
The
Advance trim adds some luxury touches. These include a panoramic glass
roof, hands-free power tailgate, heated steering wheel, multi-view
cameras, and Honda's semi-automatic Parking Pilot system. Both versions
pack enough features to justify their premium status in Honda's range.
How does it compare to similarly priced EVs?
The
e:Ny1's price puts it in tough company. Your money could also buy a
base Hyundai Ioniq 5, high-spec Kia EV3, or Premium version Smart #1.
The Tesla Model Y costs just a bit more, which might tempt buyers to
stretch their budget for better range and brand appeal.
One
reviewer pointed out the biggest challenge - there are just too many
great electric cars at this price point. Options include the Skoda
Elroq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Volvo EX30, MG S5 EV and Tesla Model 3.
Many rivals offer better batteries, faster charging, and more fun behind
the wheel - often at similar or lower prices.
Honda e:Ny1 has essential safety and driver aids
The Honda e:Ny1 comes with the brand's complete Honda SENSING suite of active safety technologies as standard. This forms the foundation of driver and passenger protection.
What safety features are standard?
A
sophisticated combination of camera and sonar technology powers the
e:Ny1's safety system. The setup has a wide-angle front camera with a
100-degree horizontal viewing angle and high-speed image processing.
This main camera works with three more cameras—one at the rear and one
on each door mirror. These provide 360-degree coverage on Advance
grades.
The visual network gets support from twelve sonar sensors
placed around the vehicle. Four sensors sit on each of the front and
rear bumpers, with two on either side. These sensors and cameras work
together to enable various protective functions.
Standard features include Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition. The e:Ny1 also has Road Departure Mitigation that alerts drivers if they drift from their lane without signalling.
The
e:Ny1's occupant protection system uses multiple airbags. These include
front driver and passenger, side (front), and side curtain (front and
rear) airbags.
Has it been crash tested?
The Honda e:Ny1
hasn't undergone Euro NCAP safety testing as of mid-2024. Honda's recent
safety record shows mixed results. The Jazz and Civic earned five stars
in 2020 and 2022 tests. The HR-V and Honda e electric hatchback
received four stars.
The e:Ny1's structure combines soft and rigid
components with high tensile strength steel. This creates a reliable
body that channels energy away from the cabin during impacts. The car's
safety system automatically shuts down high-voltage electrical
components in accidents.
How does it compare to rivals in safety tech?
The
e:Ny1's safety package matches its competitors well. Both trim levels
offer blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert along with core
Honda SENSING technologies.
Traffic Jam Assist technology in the
e:Ny1 outperforms some rivals. It works from a standstill up to 60 km/h
and naturally switches to Lane Keeping Assist at higher speeds. This
system transitions at lower speeds than typical systems.
The
Hyundai Kona earned four stars in Euro NCAP testing, but scored only 60%
in Safety Assist. Testers found its lane-keeping assist "overly
intrusive" and the driver-attention warning system "over-zealous".
Honda's
reputation for reliability adds confidence in its safety systems. The
brand ranked fourth out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car?
Reliability Survey.
Honda e:Ny1 reliability backed by strong warranty
Buyers
looking at electric vehicles need reliable products, especially since
EV technology is still new to many manufacturers. Honda's 75-year old
reputation gives the e:Ny1 a big advantage in this space.
What is Honda's reliability record?
Honda
has built an impressive reliability track record across its vehicles.
The brand ranked fourth out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car?
Reliability Survey with a 96.6% overall rating. This shows improvement
from last year's sixth place finish and 95.9% score.
The numbers
tell a great story. Only 15% of Honda owners reported any issues in
their first year. Honda took care of repair costs 85% of the time, and
60% of cars were back on the road within 24 hours.
What warranty is offered?
The e:Ny1 comes with a five-year/90,000-mile warranty and five years of UK and European roadside assistance. UK buyers also get a Five Year Care Package that includes:
- 5 Years Servicing
- 5 Year Guarantee (3 Year Manufacturers + 2 Year Extended Guarantee)
- 5 Years UK + European Roadside Assistance
The high-voltage battery gets eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage that transfers to new owners. This extended protection helps buyers who worry about battery life over time.
How does it compare to Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota?
Honda's
warranty package beats the standard three-year coverage from
manufacturers like Volkswagen. However, some competitors offer more:
- Hyundai gives five years with unlimited mileage
- Kia provides a longer seven-year/100,000-mile warranty
- Toyota leads with up to ten years or 100,000 miles for cars serviced at approved centres
The
e:Ny1's warranty stands strong in the market. It outperforms many
European brands and builds on Honda's engineering excellence and
integrity.
Conclusion
The Honda e:Ny1 makes a bold entry
into the competitive electric SUV market. This compact crossover offers a
practical package for city-focused drivers looking to buy their first
EV. The price tag of £40,660 might seem steep, but Honda's strong
reliability record and complete five-year warranty package add great
value.
All the same, you should think over a few drawbacks. The
official range of 256 miles drops to less than 200 miles in ground
driving conditions. The 78kW maximum charging speed doesn't match up to
rivals at this price point. The car also shows unpredictable traction
issues during cornering or quick acceleration that might shake your
confidence behind the wheel.
Honda gave priority to passenger
comfort over trunk space. The back seats offer plenty of legroom, but
you'll have to work with a smaller 361-litre boot. The modern interior
features a massive 15.1-inch touchscreen that marks a big shift from
Honda's usual button-heavy dashboards. Some drivers love this change
while others find it frustrating.
The e:Ny1 shines best in urban
settings. Light steering, quiet operation, and good visibility make city
driving a breeze. The car works great for families who don't haul much
cargo but want comfortable back seats.
Competitors like Kia,
Hyundai, MG, and Tesla give you better value through longer ranges,
faster charging, or better handling at similar prices. Yet Honda's
reputation for quality build and reliability remains a strong selling
point, especially for loyal customers switching to electric for the
first time.
The e:Ny1 stands as a solid first attempt at a
dedicated electric SUV from Honda, though it joins the faster evolving
EV market a bit late. Future models will fix these shortcomings, but
Honda has built a promising foundation with this original offering.
FAQs
Q1. What is the real-world range of the Honda e:Ny1?
The real-world range of the Honda e:Ny1 varies significantly depending
on conditions. In favourable summer weather, it can achieve close to 240
miles, but more typically, drivers can expect between 160-190 miles in
everyday use. Cold weather and use of climate control can further reduce
the range, potentially to around 125 miles in winter.
Q2. How does the Honda e:Ny1's warranty compare to competitors?
The Honda e:Ny1 comes with a comprehensive five-year/90,000-mile
warranty, which includes five years of UK and European roadside
assistance. Additionally, there's an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on
the high-voltage battery. While competitive, this falls slightly short
of warranties offered by Hyundai (five years unlimited mileage) and Kia
(seven years/100,000 miles).
Q3. What driving modes are available in the Honda e:Ny1?
The Honda e:Ny1 offers three distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, and
Sport. Eco mode prioritises energy conservation, Normal provides a
balanced driving experience, and Sport mode enhances responsiveness for a
more dynamic drive. These modes allow drivers to customise the
vehicle's performance characteristics to suit different driving
conditions and preferences.
Q4. How efficient is the Honda e:Ny1 in terms of miles per kWh?
The Honda e:Ny1's efficiency in real-world conditions typically ranges
between 2-3.5 miles per kilowatt hour (kWh). This is lower than some
competitors, resulting in a practical range that's often less than the
official WLTP figure of 256 miles. The vehicle's 68.8kWh battery pack
means careful planning may be needed for longer journeys.
Q5. How does the Honda e:Ny1's interior space compare to its boot capacity?
The Honda e:Ny1 offers surprisingly spacious rear seating with generous
legroom, nearly matching that of larger SUVs. However, this comes at
the expense of boot space. The e:Ny1 provides 361 litres of boot
capacity with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,176 litres when folded.
This is smaller than many competitors, potentially limiting its
practicality for families requiring substantial luggage space.
