Honda is recalibrating its electric vehicle (EV) roadmap in Europe, moving away from its current flagship electric SUV to make room for a more budget-friendly lineup. The automaker has announced plans to discontinue the e:Ny1, its only fully electric model currently available on the continent, just three years after its launch.
The Struggle of the e:Ny1
The e:Ny1, a product of Honda’s joint venture with China’s Dongfeng, arrived in Europe in mid-2023. While it was marketed as the electric sibling to the popular HR-V crossover, it faced significant headwinds from the moment it hit the market.
Despite a substantial price reduction in Germany—dropping from €47,590 to €38,990 —the model failed to capture significant market share. In Germany alone, Honda sold just 105 units last year. This lack of traction is largely attributed to a crowded market where newer, more competitively priced rivals from both established European manufacturers and aggressive Chinese brands have set a high bar for value and technology.
The e:Ny1’s performance highlights a growing trend in the automotive industry: the difficulty of selling mid-range, “legacy-style” electric SUVs in a market that is increasingly demanding either premium luxury or high-value, low-cost entry points.
Regional Availability and Technical Specs
The phase-out is already underway. According to reports from Handelsblatt, the e:Ny1 has been removed from online configurators in Germany, Italy, and Spain. While the model can still be ordered in France and Austria, Honda is reportedly focusing its remaining inventory on the UK and Nordic regions, where consumer interest has remained higher.
Key specifications of the e:Ny1 include:
– Platform: e:N Architecture F
– Powertrain: Single electric motor producing 201 hp
– Battery/Range: 68.8 kWh battery offering a WLTP range of approximately 412 km (256 miles)
– Interior: Features a 15.1-inch portrait touchscreen
A Strategic Pivot: From Large SUVs to Compact Hatchbacks
Honda’s decision to pull the e:Ny1 is not an isolated event but part of a broader global restructuring of its EV ambitions. The company has recently canceled several planned electric models for the North American market, including the Acura RSX and certain models from the Sony Honda Mobility joint venture.
Instead of chasing the large SUV segment, Honda is pivoting toward more accessible, compact electric vehicles. The primary successor in Europe will be the Super-N, a small electric hatchback.
The New Direction: The Super-N
Unlike the e:Ny1, which targeted the mid-sized crossover market, the Super-N is designed to be an entry-level contender.
– Target Market: Budget-conscious urban drivers.
– Expected Pricing: Starting below £20,000 (€23,000).
– Design: A sporty, compact build inspired by the Honda City Turbo II, featuring a 94 hp motor.
By shifting focus from expensive, larger EVs to more affordable, high-character small cars, Honda is attempting to find a “sweet spot” in a market where consumer demand is shifting toward practicality and price accessibility.
Honda is moving away from the mid-range electric SUV segment in favor of a more targeted, budget-friendly approach to regain momentum in the European EV market.
