06/09/2023 • 4 min

Guide to EV Honda

Honda has a global reputation for producing reliable, durable cars that look good and are fun to drive. Now, you can enjoy the iconic Honda reliability in an electric vehicle. Honda released the all-electric Honda e in 2020, initially to the Japanese and European markets.
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While the Honda e remains the manufacturer’s only all-electric vehicle to date, the brand has also released several hybrids. There are also plans underway for Honda to release as many as 30 new electric vehicles worldwide by 2030. Read on to discover more about the growing Honda electric range.

What is a Honda EV?

Honda has been a relative latecomer to the global EV market, with the first fully electric vehicle, the Honda e, released in 2020. However, the brand has announced plans for many more fully electric models globally over the next few years, including SUVs, sporty EVs and a range of more affordable models.

The Honda e has been designed for city driving, although it has enough range and power for countryside drives. As a compact hatchback, this is an ideal vehicle for the commute to work, the school run or driving around town.

Honda e

The Honda e was initially released in 2020, although at present it’s only available in the Japanese and European markets. The five-door hatchback comfortably seats four people and is perfect for driving in the city. With a realistic range of around 90-120 miles (max 137 miles on a full charge), the Honda e may not be the best choice for longer-range trips. However, for typical inner-city driving, this electric car has enough range to get you from A to B without any issues, even without a home charging station.

For a small car, the Honda e has a generous 861-liter cargo capacity and class-leading cabin space, with enough room for four adults to sit comfortably. The Honda CONNECT™ onboard infotainment system comes with a 9” touchscreen and is fully compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Honda SENSING reads driving conditions and roads before you do, while the fast charge capability means you can be back on the road in minutes whenever you need a top-up. While the range may not challenge models such as the Mini Electric, Fiat 500 or Renault Zoe, the Honda e is fun to drive and more adroit than its direct competitors.

Hybrids

While there is still some time to wait before Honda starts rolling out more fully electric vehicles, those that are in the market for a hybrid already have several options to choose from.

Honda Jazz / Honda Jazz Crosstar

The Honda Jazz hybrid will be released in spring 2023, offering silent electric power with no need for charging. The regenerative braking feature means the electric component of the engine recharges as you drive, with no need for a mains electricity supply. On a full tank, the Jazz has a range of around 536 miles, with just 82g/km of CO2 emissions.

The high-performance Honda Jazz is ideal for long journeys, with a decent range and anti-fatigue, heated front seats for comfort. The cargo capacity is 304 liters in the trunk alone, or up to 1,205 liters with the rear seats folded down. The e:HEV hybrid powertrain means you don’t have to plan ahead for charging. What you do get is an exhilarating, electrified performance from one of the world’s leading car manufacturers.

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is another full hybrid, with silent electric power and self-recharging capability. Running costs are lowered as the electric battery is charged every time you drive using the combustion engine or use the regenerative braking feature. CO2 emissions can be as low as 94g/km, with a maximum range of 459 miles starting from a full tank. With no requirement for a home charging point or planning your journey around charging stations, you get most of the benefits of an electric vehicle without any of the hassles.

Honda CR-V

If an SUV is more your style, the Honda CR-V offers the same e:HEV hybrid powertrain as its counterparts for a seamless driving experience. The SE grade model can reach up to 534 miles without needing refueling, with CO2 emissions at a relatively low 114g/km. The CR-V comes with four intelligent driving modes – electric, hybrid, engine and regenerative braking – so you can select the mode that suits your current driving conditions. With a spacious interior and distinctive sporty style, the CR-V is great for family driving or taking longer journeys.

As you can see, there are hybrids aplenty to choose from, but only one all-electric offering from Honda at present. The Honda e is a highly-rated electric vehicle for city driving, with a stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and futuristic appearance. If you often take longer journeys, you may want to consider other options, such as the Mercedes EQS, BMW iX, or Hyundai Ioniq 6.